Grieving is a natural response to unfortunate situations. It can differ for everyone, but immense devastation and hopelessness are common. Whether it happens suddenly or gradually, we can never be fully prepared to tackle grief, no matter the type or age.
Even worse, there’s no specific formula for healing as wholly or fast as you wish. However, adhering to these tips has proven effective for many, and so will you. They may not all work simultaneously, so listen to your instincts.
Some days are bright, while others are tough, but they eventually improve if you adhere to the coping techniques explored below.
Understanding Grief
What is grief? Besides the formal description, grief can only be understood better through experience, either personally or through a close friend or relative. If you haven’t encountered any scenarios, below is a written and simple analysis of how it came into existence, how it feels, and how you can become more assertive.
Many think that grief is only caused by the death of a loved one or pet. However, it’s just one of the many factors but the most critical. The other causes include but are not limited to selling a family home, a lost friendship or relationship, retirement, miscarriage, bankruptcy, or losing a job.
Could you be grieving without your knowledge? This is common for some, so it’s best to understand grief symptoms. You may experience fear of something related to a specific source of grief, prolonged sadness, sleepless nights, appetite fluctuation, restlessness, and intrusive thoughts.
Others are unusual anger, fatigue, muscle pain or weakness, stomach upset, and nausea. Again, these symptoms vary from person to person, but they are the most possible.
Acknowledge and Accept the Pain
The first thing that will help you overcome grief is acknowledging you’re in pain, and this is how you will then start thinking of ways to manage it. You’re highly likely to grieve if you have faced any of the above scenarios.
The symptoms confirm the situation. At this point, you should have accepted that you needed help healing. It can be pretty challenging to administer any grief coping mechanism to someone who hasn’t acknowledged and accepted their pain.
Consider Grief Counseling
Grief counsellors are qualified, experienced, and certified to handle grief professionally. They should be your closest allies when battling grief, for you can be guaranteed a positive impact from them.
Unfortunately, some people may pose as counsellors without the right qualifications. So, you must approach licensed ones with excellent performance and reputation. They can help by recommending the best strategies for coping with grief.
Connect with Family and Friends
One of the most immediate actions that grievers take is to exclude themselves from social settings to avoid interacting with people. Maybe you think you’ll get over it faster when you’re alone, but that’s not the way.
Others may think they’re ‘bothering’ people with their fluctuating moods, so you should only connect with honest and trustworthy friends. Family and friends will make you feel loved and supported through this trying moment and even help you navigate it effectively.
Indulge in Ultimate Self-Care
It would be helpful if you always prioritized self-care at every stage of life but more dedicatedly when struggling with grief. If not managed properly, you will feel worthless and uneasy at this point and soon lose yourself to the confusion.
Self-care is generally doing things that feel more satisfying and rewarding for your health, heart, and dreams. Some examples are exploring art, yoga, mindfulness, dates with friends, partners, or by yourself, reading books, and a spa experience. Exploring one’s hobbies, travelling more, and spending quality time with your pet are also advisable.
Cry It Out and Be Patient With Yourself
No, you’re not annoying by crying frustrations after grief. Experts recommend this as it helps you unweight the heavy load in your heart and mind. It would be best if you let those tears pour instead of holding them back, and with time, you’ll be in a better position.
Remember to be patient with yourself as you navigate this challenging experience. Even better, you should reward yourself if you see any positive progress in the journey, no matter how insignificant.
Join a Support Group
Someone in another place is fighting the same battle as yours, and letting everyone do it independently often yields negative results. A support group comprises people with similar goals, and this is what you should consider for yourself. Become a dedicated member by attending any of the meetings and staying connected.
Develop a Memorial
Healing from grief does not mean completely forgetting about the cause, especially if it involves a loved one (person or pet). It’s all about keeping memories alive but harmlessly.
You can achieve this by writing a story about them, planting a tree in their honour, getting a tattoo, and many others. Building your physical health is also crucial as you navigate grief to give your body the energy it requires.
