Coping with a loss is one of the biggest challenges we face as human beings. The most painful type of loss we all deal with is the death of a loved one, however, there are other painful losses including the loss of a relationship, a job, a home, a pet, our health, and our way of life, ie the aftermath of The Covid Pandemic.
Grief is a totally personal experience for every individual. There are NO RULES about what you should feel or how long it will take for you to feel better. Here are some ideas based on the article Bereavement: Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
Coping with Loss
Allow yourself to feel: The bereavement and mourning process can trigger many unwanted symptoms and emotions: anger, sadness, guilt, changes in appetite, & difficulty sleeping, This is all part of being human. Many people try to suppress their grief, but the negative energy is still there. This further complicates the healing process .
Don’t judge your grief or Compare it to others: For some, grief moves through stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, & Acceptance.
For others, grief is an emotional rollercoaster. Try not to judge yourself if you feel great one day and slip backwards the next day. Give yourself time and space to just be.
Create a New Way to Celebrate Special Occasions: Holidays will never be the same without your loved one, but, you can create a special way to honor them, for holidays, anniversary’s , and other special occasions. Play their favorite song, Make a toast to them, or use a special decoration that you know they would enjoy.
Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting your loved one. Finding a way to continue forward with your life doesn’t mean or your loved one will be forgotten. I am certain that if they truly loved you, they would want you to be happy and live your life.
SEEK SUPPORT
Don’t be a Hero: Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with food, funeral arrangements, or anything else you need.
Be Mindful about who you Lean On: Although everyone will want to help, some friends are better suited for listening and are more thoughtful with their words. You don’t have to explain your choices to anyone.
Join a bereavement support group: Sharing your grief with people who have experienced similar losses can help you feel less alone.
Talk to a therapist or a bereavement counselor: If your grief feels totally overwhelming, or you are not noticing any improvement in your grief, you might want to talk to a bereavement or grief therapist
Draw comfort from your community: Seek support from your colleagues or community. If you are a spiritual or religious person, you may find great comfort reaching out to your church, or temple.
COPING STRATEGIES FOR LOSS
Write a Letter: Write a letter to your loved one. Share your gratitude for the relationship, what you learned from the person or situation, your favorite memories together, and any sentiments that may have been left unsaid.
Honor Your Loved One: Create a photo album, a Journal, or some type of physical Memorial.
Create a Legacy: Start a campaign or Fundraiser in your loved one’s name or Volunteer for a cause that was important to them. This can help create meaning for you.
Let Grief Lead to Growth: Go somewhere or try something NEW ! Face new challenges. Let your grief help you grow by living your life to the fullest!
Create Time for Self Care: Get enough sleep, take time to relax, read, get a massage, do gentle yoga, spend time in nature, meditate.