Death is an unavoidable reality of life. At some point, we all find ourselves grieving the loss of a loved one. And while we all grieve in our own special ways, there are some tips that anyone can make use of in such trying times.
Don’t Go It Alone
When sadness strikes, it’s not uncommon for people to self-isolate after the loss of a loved one. However, that’s often the very worst thing you can do. Don’t talk yourself into believing that your feelings now make you a burden or a buzzkill. The truth is, your loved ones care about you. Staying connected to the people you still have is vital when suffering a loss.
That said, if you still don’t feel comfortable opening up to family or friends, consider professional grief support services. Everyone needs a helping hand now and then.
Let Yourself Grieve The Loss of a Loved One.
Another temptation many of us give into upon losing someone is to suppress or attempt to distract ourselves from our emotions. While the occasional diversion can be a good way of reminding yourself of all the things that still make you happy or provide a sense of purpose, overdoing it can be dangerous.
Bottling up feelings doesn’t make them go away. It only makes them more likely to come spilling out in a big way later. Give yourself permission to grieve.the loss of a loved one. Often, a good long cry works like a reset button, allowing you a chance to let the negative emotions out and start the process of personal renewal.
Do Something Fun
As noted above, sometimes diversions can be good. When a loss is still fresh, it’s unlikely you’ll feel up to partaking in any activities or hobbies you would normally enjoy. In fact, many of us feel disrespectful to those we’ve lost if we allow ourselves to experience any kind of joy.
In such cases, ask yourself what your loved one would have wanted for you. It’s unlikely they would ever want to deny you happiness. As time goes on, try to motivate yourself to go out into the world and do something fun on occasion.
Take Care of Yourself
Bereavement can so often be all-consuming. It can be hard to focus on basic self-care when you’re dealing with loss and depression. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to miss a shower here and there.
Again, though, think about what your lost friend or family member would want for you. They would want you to take care of yourself, to maintain your hygiene and personal health, to eat right, exercise self-compassion, and avoid giving in to bad habits or self-destructive behavior.
Expect Setbacks
As with any journey, the path to surviving loss is fraught with pitfalls and stumbling blocks. It’s not a matter of if you will experience setbacks, but when. In many cases, it can happen when we least expect it. A year from now, your loved one’s birthday will show up on your calendar and all the same emotions will come roaring back, feeling just as fresh as they do now.
When possible, try to plan in advance how you will deal with triggering events. When a setback happens without warning, meanwhile, avoid blaming yourself. As long as you put forth a genuine effort to maintain the progress you’ve made, everything will be alright in the end.
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