Dealing with Grief
At the end of this month, on August 30th, we will be celebrating National Grief Awareness Day.
This day is generally designed to raise awareness for the experience of grief, which can encompass a complex range of emotions. Most of all, we want you to know that if you are dealing with grief, you are not alone.
First, let’s define “Grief”:
Grief is a complex and multifaceted emotional response to loss or significant change. It is a natural and individual process that affects people differently, and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. Grief can involve a wide range of feelings, including sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, denial, and longing, and it typically occurs in stages, although not everyone will follow a linear pattern.
There are healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with grief. Below are 10 HEALTHY ways to experience grieving:
Barbara Huey, LMSW | Mental Health Therapist
Allow Yourself to Feel: Permit yourself to experience your emotions without judgment or pressure to "move on" too quickly. Grief is a natural process, and experiencing your feelings is crucial for healing.
Seek Professional Help If Needed: If your grief is overwhelming or prolonged, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief and loss.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support group who can offer emotional comfort and understanding. Talking about your feelings can be healing.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding during this difficult time. Be mindful of negative self-talk and challenge those thoughts.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings about your loss. This can be a safe and private way to express yourself, understand your emotions better, and process your experiences.
Connect with Nature: Spending time in nature can provide a sense of peace and tranquility. Go for walks, hikes, or simply sit outside and breathe fresh air.
Express Emotions Through Art: Engage in creative activities such as drawing, painting, or music to express your feelings that may be difficult to put into words.
Limit Exposure to Triggers: If certain songs, movies, or places remind you too much of your loss and cause overwhelming pain, it may be helpful to limit your exposure to them temporarily.
Find Meaning and Purpose: Engage in activities that give you a sense of meaning and purpose, such as volunteering, helping others, or pursuing personal goals.
Allow Yourself Time for Self-Care: Make time for activities that nurture and comfort you, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies you enjoy.
Maybe you are not the one grieving at the time. This is a time to be supportive of those who are. Reaching out to someone you know is going through a tough time can make a great impact. Help those who are grieving around you to identify unhealthy behaviors and provide them with healthy alternatives. Make sure to respect boundaries while helping others grieve. Below are some different ways you can be there for someone grieving:
Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings.
Listen Actively: Give them your full attention and empathy when they are talking.
Educate About Grief: Help them understand that grief is a complex and individual process, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Support them in engaging in activities that bring them comfort and joy, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies.
Assist in Seeking Professional Help If Needed: If their grief is overwhelming or prolonged, encourage them to talk to a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief and loss.
Remind Them of Support Systems: Encourage them to reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can offer emotional comfort and understanding.
Offer Practical Help: Assisting with tasks or responsibilities can provide relief during this difficult time.
Be Patient and Understanding: Healing from grief takes time, and there may be ups and downs. Be patient with their process and offer your support consistently.
Remember, you cannot control someone else's grief journey, but you can offer them love, support, and understanding as they navigate through this difficult time.
When we lose someone we love, the world seems to turn upside down. The pain is overwhelming, and it can feel impossible to imagine how you will ever feel better. Grief is a dark and difficult journey, but we want you to know that you are not alone in walking it. Each step you take forward is a courageous step, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
You have the strength to endure this difficult time. Lean on your support system, allow yourself to feel your emotions, and practice self-compassion. Seek beauty in the little things around you, and take small steps forward. Remember, progress, not perfection, is what matters.
Here at CMI, we have highly trained mental health therapists on staff to help anyone who may be dealing with grief.
“Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.” - Earl Grollman
Resources:
● The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families
