We will all experience the loss of a loved one at some point in our lives, and it can be a devastating experience. The experience can be painful and sometimes difficult to cope with, and it will also last for a long time for some people.
There are no magic words to help take the pain away, and we have no choice but to let the grieving process continue. However, we can take steps to help ensure we and others come through such tragedies in good shape. Here, we take a look at some of the best ways of helping you cope with grief and loss.
Talk
One of the most important things anybody can do during times of grief is to talk with other people. Let other people know exactly what you’re thinking and don’t be afraid to hold back. Talking to people in this way is our most effective tool for coping with grief, and its effectiveness should not be underestimated.
If you can, try to arrange to speak with somebody close to you in a quiet, private place, and make sure to ser some time asides. While speaking with other people won’t take the pain away, it will at least help you cope with your emotions better. The people you speak with might also be able to help in other ways, so it’s always a great idea to reach out to others.
Get Creative
Talking is just one way of letting your emotions out. You can also try getting creative with music, painting, or any pastime that involves expressing yourself. You might be surprised at just how much emotion you can let out by making something, whether it’s music, art, or even just for fun.
Another option is to write a diary of your thoughts, letting all your emotions spill onto the paper. Reading back through your thoughts will then help you understand your feelings better, helping you to process them accordingly. You can also choose to show other people your work, but it’s also OK to keep it to yourself if you prefer.
Don’t Fight the Grieving Process
Some people might feel the need to put on a strong face and push on through regardless, but this is not usually the best approach. If you need some time off work to process your loss, then take that time off. If you feel the need to cry, then cry all you need to. The same goes for men as well as it does for women.
Grieving is very unpleasant, but it’s an essential part of the recovery process and will help you process what has happened and recover. While we will never truly forget the people we have lost, allowing ourselves to grieve will help us come to terms with the loss and move on to have a happy and fruitful life.
Keep Active
It’s important to keep active. Meet with friends, participate in hobbies and generally continue to do as much as possible. Naturally, you may not feel like working, but you should at least still try to take part in other activities, especially if it means being with other people.
Keeping active is important because it helps to give our brains a break from stress. Although being active won’t take the pain away, it will at least help keep your mind strong and fresh, helping you tackle what lies ahead.
Look After Yourself
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand, so make sure you take care of your body. Try to eat well and get a reasonable amount of exercise. It’s not necessary to exercise heavily, as long as you get your heart rate up a little. You should also try to get as much sleep as you can, and safe sleep aids are available that will help if you’re struggling.
It might be tempting to use alcohol or drugs to help numb the pain. However, this will often only make matters worse, especially the following day. It’s a good idea to avoid using alcohol or drugs as props because doing so increases your chances of developing a dependency.
Avoid Making Major Decisions
Losing somebody close to you can result in a major overhaul of your life. You may have some very big decisions, but if you don’t feel up to making big decisions, try to wait if you can. If you do make a big decision when your mindset isn’t right, you might end up regretting it.
It is understandable that people will feel very emotional after losing somebody close to them, and this could lead to erratic thoughts. While some decisions must be made quickly, it’s best to wait until you have a clearer head to help you make the right calls.
Summary
The loss of a loved one can be an extreme emotional event that’s difficult to deal with. It’s important that you acknowledge that you have recently experienced a traumatic event and that it’s entirely natural that you would be grieving.
The most important think if you’re struggling is to seek comfort from somebody else and speak to them about your feelings. Trying to bottle it up and put on a brave face can make things worse in the long run so it’s best to be open. You should also make sure to take care of yourself and only consume drugs and alcohol in moderation, if at all.
