Coping with Grief

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Understand that grieving is a natural response to a loss, however you would be shocked at how many people actually avoid this process entirely by using "active" or "avoidant" strategies. Give yourself permission to scream, cry, or otherwise display your strong feelings and find a place where you  can feel free to let yourself grieve.  

Grief doesn't have a timeline. It is important to be gentle and patient with yourself as you process and work through the full range of emotions that come with grief. Remind yourself that healing doesn't come instantly. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your feelings and allow yourself to experience them without judgement. 

Whether it is out loud to another person, or in more creative ways like art, music, poetry, photography or dance. Expressing your emotions outside of your body can effectively help you come to terms with loss you have experienced. This will also help others know how to fully support you during this time. 

Eating well, exercise, getting good rest, and seeing your doctor as needed are all essential in your healing journey. The sadness that comes with grief will make it tempting to forgo any self-care, however, remind yourself that while your heart is trapped in the past, you are still living in the present. You loved one would not want your health and wellness to suffer. 

Mindfulness is the practice of staying present in the moment by observing your thoughts and emotions without judgement. Meditation is the practice of deeply focusing your thoughts on a specific subject. Guided Grief Meditations, in combination with the practice of mindfulness, can be an important part of unlocking and gaining clarity on your emotions during grief.  

Grief can make you feel very isolated and alone. Take time to connect with others. Seek out opportunities to be around family and friends, especially those who are good listeners. Spending time with people you enjoy can help you heal. 

Sometimes grieving with a community outside of your family and friends allows you to open up in ways you didn't think possible. Online and in-person group therapy is not only a way for you to find support for yourself, but to offer support to others as well. 

Sometimes grief can be just too much for us to handle. This is especially true for anyone who is experiencing Traumatic, Compound or Complicated grief. If you are feeling like your grief is too much to tackle alone, please do not be afraid to ask for professional assistance. 

Creating rituals or memorials to honor the memory of your loved one provides a tangible way to celebrate your loved ones life.  This might involve holding a memorial service, planting a tree, or dedicating time to reminisce about shared experiences. 

The key to dealing with grief is learning to embrace it and to allow all the varying feelings to flow.  

1) Acknowledge the reality of the death. 

2) Let yourself feel the pain of the loss. 

3) Remember the person who died. 

4) Develop a new self-identity.