10 ways to Deal with Grief
There is nothing more traumatic than losing a loved one can. Coping with a loss is extremely personal. Each one of us has our own ways of handling grief. But thankfully there are a few rudimentary and general steps to the grief and bereavement procedure. These would help you to work through your grief over the loss of a loved one. Losing a loved one is the toughest challenge that any of us face. When we lose a parent, sibling or spouse can be on the whole intense. But the loss of a young son or daughter is extreme. Here are 10 ways to Deal with Grief
Grief is Personal
Death and loss are said to be an accepted part of life, but one can be overcome by shock and disorientation. This could lead to extended periods of sorrow or depression. Time is said to be the best healer. But grieving is a significant process to overcome the loss and continue to cherish memories you had. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Each one has his or her way to deal with it.
Humans are typically strong since most of us can suffer loss and yet continue with our own lives. But emotional people may battle with grief and become depressed. Such people with severe grief should not hesitate to take the help of a psychologist or mental health professional.
The following tips may help you deal with the loss
- It is best to feel the pain. Don’t let others say how you should feel.
- Be patient with the process. Don’t stress yourself with expectations. Instead, be patient.
- Admit that you need to go through the pain, your turbulent emotions, and your method of healing. Don’t let anyone dictate to you how you should grieve or when to stop.
- Accept your feelings, even the ones you don’t like. You can cry your heart out as it is a natural step for healing.
- Don’t get into a shell. Take the support of a friend or a relative or even a therapist. Talk about the one you lost, the memories you shared.
10 ways to Deal with Grief
- Don’t hide your sadness. Reach out for whatever it is you need. Talk to those who have lost a loved one.
- Self-care is a must. Eat healthily and exercise. Whether it is yoga or a walk outside, any activity helps to ease stress.
- Indulge yourself with a spa, long baths, naps, and your favourite food.
- Take a break from grief. Divert your mind by watching a movie, go out for dinner, read a refreshing book or listen to some soothing music.
- Do something in honour of the memory of your loved one.
Complicated grief
If the grieving goes on for a long period without any headway, it’s called Complicated grief.
Traits of complicated grief may comprise of:
- Not accepting the death of the loved one, or emotional shock over the loss
- Feeling restless about the loss or how they expired
- Deep sorrow and emotional agony, at times comprising resentment or anger
- Incapable of cherishing memories about the loved one
- Wanting to die to be with the loved one
- Unduly avoiding reminders of the loss
- Constant longing and yearning for the departed
- Feeling lonely and isolated from others
- Trouble following interests or moving on after the death of the loved one
- Perceiving that life is worthless or void without the loved one
- Feel as if a part of themselves died with the loved one
Specific kinds of mental health treatment can help people with complicated grief. Treatment is essential, as people with complicated grief might get emotionally worse, and may contemplate suicide.
Helping someone who is mourning
10 ways to Deal with Grief
Many people feel uncomfortable when consoling someone who is grieving. Most people feel awkward and don’t know what to say.
What to say
- Understand the situation.
- Show your concern. You can say- “I am sorry this happened to you.”
- Be sincere and open. You can say- “I am at a loss for words, but do remember I care.”
- Proffer your help. Say- “I am here for you, what I can do for you.”
- Ask how the grieving person feels and just listen.
What to do
- Just be there. Even if you don’t know how to say comforting words, just having you near can be very reassuring.
- Be a good listener and silent support. But don’t try to compel them to talk.
- Give comfort without downplaying the loss. Have empathy with the person without presuming you can tell how they feel.
- Offer to help with household chores, kids, shopping, cooking or even driving. Some may refuse but it’s okay.
- DON” T tell the person “You’re strong, you can overcome it.” This puts a lot of pressure on the bereaved person to stand up to expectations. I have been through this and I endorse it personally.
- Keep up the support even after the shock wears off. Healing takes a long time.
Reference: GAIAM
I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.
‘This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter’
Do check out Empathy & Mental Health are Interlinked, How I exorcised the depression Monster in 2020, 10 ways how a dog can help in depression, 10 best and worst things to say to someone with depression, Complementary and alternative therapies for depression.
@wordsmithkaur
@wordsmithkaur
LOVED it! I’ll share it with my friend who is grieving and I hope this post reaches the right audience. These little things which they can do and should not do will help them to feel better and learn to live with their grief 🙂
Difficult times in life but your post is a great help. These are the times when words fall short.
You are right grieving is personal and each take their own time to overcome it or accept it. The pointers what to say and how to behave with the grieving members are important pointers to learn so that person is not understood .
I came to know about your son through Manas. May his soul rest in peace and may God give you and your family the strength to deal with this kind of loss.
Thank you. Its been a hellish time
It’s so important to allow yourself to grieve. It’s commendable that you’re finding your feet after the hellish time. That point on grief coming in waves is so true.
Very well written. In situations like this we often fail to understand the right words to console a person.
Grief is a very personal feeling. The pointers are practical and might provide solace to the grieving heart.
Grief is something that takes its own time. Loss can never be overcome, but pain can dull over time. I too, realized quite belatedly, that I had been saying the wrong things at that time. Each person’s way of dealing with grief is different.
Take care Harjit!
I would say more strength to you. Great post and your thought to write about it was even the part of it.
A very difficult topic to write about and you have done a great job by breaking it down into tiny bits for easier understanding.
I hope you have followed the above and are feeling a little better now. I know it’s hard but we need you to spread your positive vibes! Tight hugs!
It comes from the heart. Your pain is palpable subtly in this post. And a good post too.
We can break down grief into points yet we all deal with it different. but to have such a list to refer to for those grieving and for those who love them is really helpful. Thanks Harjeet. Hugs
We all have our ways to deal with grief and loss. You have covered it all so well
I was at a loss for words when I came to know about your son’s demise through Manas. Though I wanted to call you but was at a loss of words during that time we too we’re going through a loss that was a suicide and was shocking. May your son’s soul rest in peace. Love and hugs, Harjeet. Loved the post and all the pointers they are so helpful.
Grief can hit you on a perfectly sunny day years later. There never is a time frame for grief. There never will be. It is important to grieve and feel the emotions in your heart and mind. Take care.
sometimes, we don’t know how to deal with grief and how to provide support to a grieving person. My husband lost his father 23 years back, and my mil is still grieving his loss. sometimes, I feel bad but don’t know how to console her. Thanks for this post, I will also share it with her. Maybe it’ll help.
This is straight from the heart. Hugs !
Grief is hard for everyone, this post should be helpful.
Please accept my condolences. I am very sorry for your loss.I am indeed at a loss for words .My prayers with you.
Thanks, Amrita. It’s okay.
I think it is also important to remember that not everyone grieves in the same way.
Well said, Harjeet Grief has no specific limits of standard how one should behave during that tough time. Everyone takes their own time and is free to vent it out in any form. But, what matters the most no one should be left alone in any way; one must be blessed with some caring hands and ears to listen. Hoping all the good things for you, Harjeet, hugs!!
well said, moving onn is the hardest part. I fact is not being able to concentratre on any of the works that i was doing. it a while for me to get back to normal
I always find it hard to think of what to say in such situations. Good to read your pointers. I usually say the same words. I feel, sometimes our presence speaks more than our words.
Great pointers on improving muscle strength and age. Definitely trying the walking in 8 shape now on.:) #MyFriendAlexa #TinasPicks
Oh Harjeet, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. You have handled the mishaps in your life with such incredible strength and poise. We all look up to you.