DURHAM, N.C. — Coping with the loss of a loved one over the holidays can be tough for a lot of families, but one Durham woman has turned tragedy into healing by helping those who are hurting.

Karla Noland became a certified self-discovery and mental fitness coach after the passing of her mother.

Noland's mother died from primary central melanoma in 2019, a day before Thanksgiving.

"Grief happened when I went to the nursing facility and I saw the cancer was taking over, she was unable to talk, she was unable to move and I knew that cancer was taking over," Noland stated.

After receiving her own therapy, Noland uses her story to talk to others about grief.

At the end of every session, Noland gives people strategies to show them how to navigate grief.

"Because of my mother, I was inspired to heal, I was inspired to help others, I was inspired to be cognizant of the words I speak," Noland explained.

Mental health experts say some ways to cope with grief during the holidays include:

• Avoid canceling holiday plans
• Set realistic expectations for yourself
• Draw comfort from others

On December 3, Noland will be a part of a Q&A grief mental health panel at the Durham County Public Library.

After the passing of her mother, Noland wrote her first book and journal entitled "The Day My Heart Turned Blue."