Grief is a healing process that one passes through on the way to a new phase of life. It should not be suppressed. It is the healthy, normal response to the ups and downs of human existence. When a psychological or emotional injury takes place, a process begins that is as natural as the healing of a physical wound.
CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF
- Are you having trouble believing what has happened? Feeling angry or guilty? Finding yourself crying all the time?
- You may move through feelings of shock, anger, guilt or depression at different times and more than once.
- Keep in mind that grief comes and goes. One day you may feel OK and the next day may be hard.
TAKE TIME
- If you can, take time out from work or other responsibilities.
- Remember, we all grieve differently. You may need more or less time to go through your grief than someone else.
- When you feel able, resume your normal activities.
LET OUT YOUR FEELINGS
- Cry when you need to. Crying is a normal and essential part of grieving.
- Acknowledge when you feel angry.
- If you have a hard time expressing your emotions to other people, try writing your feelings in a journal or diary.
SHARE YOUR GRIEF
- Join a support group or talk with others who have gone through a similar experience.
- For some people, talking with a professional is easier than talking with friends. Consider contacting a counselor or therapist.
- Don’t isolate. Reach out and accept when others reach out to you.
BE PREPARED
- Feelings may come up at unexpected times and may seem to come out of nowhere.
- Things as small as an ad on TV can trigger feelings of anger or sadness. This is a normal part of grieving.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
- Eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest.
- Realize that physical symptoms, such as sleeplessness, nausea, anxiety, restlessness and forgetfulness often accompany grief.
- If physical problems continue for more than a week, see your doctor.
GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
- If you feel stuck in your grief or believe that you will never be able to get on with the rest of your life, seek professional help.
LOOK FOR FAITH
- Grieving and loss often shatter our faith in life. Look for things that help restore your faith.
- Try looking in nature, friends, religion, or even the smile on a child’s face. We all find faith in different ways.
- If you are having trouble with faith, talk to someone you trust – a therapist, clergy member or close friend.
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