Grief and loss are a reality of life. All of us will lose someone close to us at some point in our lives. 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, or a way to externalize the loss. They could light a candle, write an online tribute or story, prepare their favorite foods, and participate in some of the favorite activities they shared together.
• Plan ahead. Grief can be surprising because you never know when (or how) it is going to hit you. As much as possible, create a plan for what you’ll do on/around the holidays to limit the amount of “surprises” and to make sure the loss doesn’t go unacknowledged.
• Encourage your student to be gentle with themselves and others. 
• As a family, set aside time to talk about feelings around the loss.
• Ensure they don’t do more than they can or want, and/or anything that doesn’t feel good or helpful.
• Encourage them to seek support from Counseling Services if they are really struggling.

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.

Learn more »