Welcome back, everyone. This week, I want to discuss what you can do when dealing with grief-based loss. It should be understood that not all loss is the same, and most loss does not provoke grief or more than a minor grief that, in most cases, passes before it is ever acknowledged.
However, there is a loss that causes profound grief, and it is this level of grief that I would like to discuss and then share some ways that you can deal with it better than you might have in the past or better than others you have seen go through the same kind of loss.
If you are interested in finding out more or if you would like to just hang with me while I take this next step toward becoming positively improved, you are invited and encouraged to do so. Now, if you are ready, let’s begin.
What is grief-based loss?
So, what is grief-based loss? It is the emotional response to loss or its outward social expression. There are five main stages to grief, but grief is different for everyone and can manifest and be expressed in infinite ways.
Most people know the five main stages of grief, but for those unsure, allow me to refresh your knowledge.
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
Grief is an inevitable part of life, but there are ways to cope with the pain and move on. Here are some tips for handling loss:
Acknowledge your pain
Accept that grief can elicit a range of emotions, and your grieving process will be unique to you. Acknowledging pain in grief is an essential first step in the healing process. It’s healthy to recognize your feelings as they arise, and denying or suppressing them can make the grieving process more difficult later on. Here are some tips that may help:
1. Accept your feelings: Allow yourself to feel your feelings without judgment. Give yourself time: Grief is a process, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself.
2. Take care of yourself: Grief can take a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual toll, so it’s essential to stay healthy and energized. Exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep, and follow a daily routine. Try to avoid or restrict alcohol and practice mindfulness meditation.
3.Express your feelings: You can talk about your feelings with a loved one, write them down in a journal, or volunteer for a cause related to your loss. Sharing your story can help ease your pain and make you feel less alone.
4. Seek support: You can join a grief support group or speak with others who are also grieving. Talking through your feelings can help you identify the issue and take steps to alleviate the painful emotions. Grief counselors can also help you understand the stages of grief and loss, which can open a path to healing.
Get support
Sharing your grief with supportive individuals can lighten the load. Expressing love to the bereaved can reinforce their value and support, whether this be a good friend, family member, counselor, or priest. It is crucial that you have someone to talk to or to just be around so that you are not alone when you are faced with any level of grief.
Plan for triggers
Identify potential triggers, such as holidays or anniversaries, and plan how to manage those days. On those days, you can find meaningful ways to honor your loss, such as creating art or participating in memorial activities.
Accept the reality of your loss.
Accepting what has happened is an essential step in healing. So many have a hard time with this step, but it is so crystal that you did not just face the loss but fully accept it to heal completely.
Check for untrue thoughts.
When disappointed, we may have exaggerated thoughts that intensify our feelings. Understand that these thoughts are part of our response to feeling hurt and that having an idea doesn’t make it accurate.
Pamper yourself
Taking care of yourself physically can help you remember how to feel good and appreciate the positive things in life. Keeping yourself mentally and emotionally satisfied is also very important and should be something you do regularly.
Some things you can do to pamper yourself are,
- Hot bubble bath
- A sweet treat ( icecream or something with chocolate in it)
- A walk in nature
- Reading a good book
- Sitting on the beach
- Spending time with a good friend
- Going dancing
- Having a delicious meal.
Now, of course, this is just a tiny list of examples, and when it comes to pampering, you should do what makes you happy, whatever that might be for you.
Final Thoughts:
As we come to the close of another weekly newsletter, it is essential to understand that any of the steps mentioned above can help you regain at least some of your health and full function. When grief is dealt with in the proper manner, you will regain your full function, and you will be able to let go of your loss and move on, allowing you to grow and transform.
I hope that you found this helpful information. If you know someone who could use this information, please share this content with them. If you have any thoughts that you would like to share, please do so in the comment section below.
As I go into my final words, thank you for joining me this week as I took this step toward becoming positively improved. I hope you will join me again next week. Until then, namaste.
Leave a Reply