Grief is a natural response to loss and the process of grieving is personal for everyone. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, a major life change or the end of a significant relationship. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cope with grief but there are many strategies that can be used to navigate your emotions.
It is important to allow yourself to feel
The full range of emotions associated with loss when coping with grief. Some of the emotions you will feel are anger, sadness, guilt and sometimes relief. If you suppress these emotions, it can delay the healing process. You need to acknowledge and express the feelings you have without judgement. It is okay to feel angry, to cry or even to have moments of joy within the grief. By embracing these emotions as part of the process of grieving, you will be able to start healing. Grief can be quite isolating so you can also seek support from others. You can share your experience with your friends and family. There are also support groups you can find in-person or online so that you can connect with those who have gone through similar losses. You will have a sense of shared understanding when you go to these support groups.
You can look
For professional support from counsellors, therapists, psychologists etc. You can book an appointment with a psychologist so that you can explore your emotions in a safe environment. They will help you develop coping methods. A psychologist will offer you guidance depending on your situation so that you can more easily navigate what you are feeling. One of the methods is CBT or cognitive-behavioural therapy where you will learn to reframe negative thoughts so that healthy emotional responses can be encouraged. If you are struggling with grief for a long time, professional support can help you find a way to get through it. Self-care is an important aspect to consider when coping with grief. Your physical health can affect your emotional wellbeing as well so you need to get regular exercise, have a balanced diet and get sufficient sleep.
You can feel
A sense of normalcy by engaging in activities like practicing yoga, going for a walk or taking part in your hobbies. It can be a great way to reduce your stress. You need to give yourself permission to decline certain responsibilities or activities that may overwhelm you. You need to set boundaries so that you can find the path to heal. You can also create a memorial so that you can honour the memory of your loved one. There are many rituals that can help you feel close to them such as planting a tree and tending to it, setting up a photo album or lighting a candle. You can also keep a journal so that you can write down what you are thinking and feeling. This will help you clarify your emotions and it can be your outlet. You are able to process your grief privately and reflect on the journey with this habit.
