COPING WITH GRIEF AND LOSS

.

When we consider the most stressful life events, the death of a loved one tops the list.  The death of a loved one creates an empty space in one’s daily life.   It can seem so very unfair that the rest of the world goes on and time continues to tick away while you are trying so hard to barely function through even the minimum of life’s daily activities.  You may feel lost and set adrift on a dark desolate ocean where no one seems to understand or care.  It is an apt analogy because grief does come in waves and as soon as you begin to think you are managing things, another wave hits bringing with it more tears, sadness, and pain.

Here are a few ways to cope with grief and loss:

Be patient and gentle with yourself during the grieving process.  Don’t set a timeline for grief or force yourself to ‘just get over it’.  Give yourself space to grieve.

Practice self-care and prioritize your emotional needs.  It is okay to feel sad.  It is okay if right now you feel a little less sad.  Take care of yourself.  This may mean reminding yourself to get dressed, to take a long bath, to remember to take care of you.

Practice mindfulness and gratitude.  Mindfulness can mean lots of deep breathes and long walks. 

Connect with supportive friends and family members.  Let the supportive people in your life help.  Lean on them and allow them to be there for you. 

Express your emotions through creative outlets such as writing or art.  Start a memory journal or a journal of letters to your loved one, writing out all the things you wish you could tell them.

Seek professional help or join a support group.  Many churches host a grief recovery group each year.  If grief is becoming an uncomfortable way of life or seems to become more intense, reaching out to a counselor can connect you with someone who can help guide you through one of life’s most difficult stages.