Grief and loss are a reality of life. All of us will lose someone close to us at some point. For students who have lost a family member or a friend, the holidays can be an especially stressful time. Here are some ways you can support your student in this process:

• Help them find ways to incorporate their loved one into this time of year, some way to externalize the loss. Light a candle, write an online tribute or story, prepare their favorite foods, and participate in some of their favorite activities together.
• Plan ahead: Grief can be surprising because you never know when it is going to hit you, or how or when. As much as possible, create a plan for what you’ll do on/around the holidays so you can limit the amount of “surprises” and the loss doesn’t go unacknowledged.
• Encourage them to be gentle with themselves and others.
• As a family, set aside time to talk about feelings around the loss.
• Ensure that your student doesn’t do more than they can or want to do, or anything that doesn’t feel good or helpful.
• Encourage them to seek support from Counseling Services if they are really struggling. All F&M students get six (6) free counseling sessions per year. Walk-in hours are offered Monday through Friday from 1 to 2 p.m., during which time students do not need to make appointments. When Counseling Services is closed, students can call 717-544-9051 to speak with a counselor on call. After-hours support, walk-in counseling, and group counseling are always free!

Find more information about getting through grief and loss.

DipCares

Many students face challenges during college that can interfere with their success. DipCares is a wellness program at F&M that directs students toward available supportive resources, empowers them to seek them out and ask for help when needed, and ensures faculty and staff know how to help if students are distressed.

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