Are you struggling to cope after losing a loved one?
Grieving a loved one is never easy, it can take a toll on you both mentally and physically. So, despite your grief, it’s important to remember you’re still here. But when you’re consumed by grief, it can be hard to find a way to keep going forward.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for these grief and loss resources to help you cope with your loss.
Take the Time You Need
Grief is a very individual process, it’ll affect everyone differently. There is no hard and fast rule for how people deal with grief. It might take you a longer amount of time to move on compared to others around you. But that’s ok, spend that time and take as long as you need.
There is no time limit to grief, you must give yourself what you need to heal. If you think that your grief might be turning destructive, then reach out to those around you for support. But, whether it’s a week, a month, or a year, give yourself the time.
Practice Self Care
Take this time of healing to give yourself some love and attention. Focusing on your emotional and physical health can help manage your grief.
Stress has a huge impact on our bodies, mixed in with grief it’s easy to neglect yourself. Even if you don’t have an appetite, eat a little and make sure you take some vitamins to supplement it.
Try to get out for a walk too for exercise and some fresh air. Visiting a natural area of beauty and nature can help relax and calm your mind.
The same goes for sleeping, it might not be easy, but you should try to stick to your normal sleeping pattern. Reading books on grief and loss can help you clear your mind and make sleep come easier.
Avoid Destructive Behavior
Having a glass of wine or whiskey after the funeral might relax you. Or if you’re struggling to come to terms with the death of your loved one, or how they died.
Dealing with grief will vary from person to person, but be careful! Using drinking in excess or other ways to numb your pain is destructive in the long run.
It also doesn’t help you come to terms with your grief or mourn properly. There may be a time where you one day realize that you’ve given yourself a bigger issue to deal with on top of your grief.
Seeking help and support is a better long-term solution. If you do have concerns over the manner of your loved one’s death, it’s an idea to talk to a wrongful death attorney. They’ll be able to listen and guide you to get the answers you deserve.
Don’t Ignore Your Finances
This might be the last thing on your mind, but it’s important to stay on top of the finances. There are going to be financial matters in the weeks following your loved one’s death to deal with.
It’s going to be hard, but stay organized where you can. And avoid any major financial decisions for around a year to give yourself time to clear your head.
Seek Support When You Need It
The pain of grieving can make you want to isolate yourself and retreat into your bubble. It’s ok to do this for a while when you need to, but don’t make it a habit.
There are many ways to deal with grief, but personal, human contact is a vital part of healing. Even for those who don’t like sharing their feelings, in a time of grief, it’s important to do so.
You’re not alone, and those around you want to help you and share the burden of your grief. Let them take the weight for a while, and take comfort from their love and support.
Lean on Friends and Family
Now is the time to put self-sufficiency and pride to one side, and lean on those around you. Don’t avoid them, let them in, let them offer help and accept it.
Use the time to reaffirm your bond with your friends and family. You’re not a burden, they wouldn’t offer their time and aid if they didn’t want to. Tell them what you need, they’ll be there for you.
Let Your Faith Comfort You
If you’re an active part of a religion, let its mourning rituals comfort you. Take part in spiritual activities that mean something to you. Be that prayer, meditation, or going to your place of worship.
If you find yourself questioning your faith, reach out to your religious community. Speak with a pastor or religious leader you’re comfortable with, let them guide you.
Find a Support Group
Even surrounded by family, it’s easy to feel lonely when you lose someone you love. Sharing your grief with others going through the same thing can help you stop feeling so alone.
You can find support groups near you by checking your local:
- hospice
- funeral home
- hospital
- counseling center
Go to a Grief Counselor or Therapist
If you feel your grief is getting too hard to handle, then reach out to a mental health professional. A grief counselor can help you work through your intense feelings, and give you a way to push forward.
When You’re Ready Start Moving Forward
While your grieving, the idea of accepting a loss will feel impossible. But one day, you’ll make your way through the five stages of grief and get to the other side.
When you’re ready to move on, take it as slow and gentle as you need to. Listen to your mind and your body, let them guide you. Relish in the positives around you, do activities you love, and spend time with the people you love too.
You’ll find a path in this new chapter of your life, and new people to walk it with too. Be with people who accept and appreciate you, and what makes your story unique.
Grief and Loss Resources You Won’t Want to Miss
Losing a loved one is never easy, but our grief and loss resources can help you handle your grief. Grief is an individual journey, a different path for us all.
Remember, there is no one way for how to deal with loss. It’s important to avoid destructive influences, and try to focus on the positives in your life.
There is no shame in asking for help, and those around you want to give it. Let them in, and together you’ll get through your shared loss.
If you found this article useful, be sure to check out our other posts.
