Tips for Dealing with your Grief
When we experience loss in our lives, it is important to remember that you have to let yourself grieve for as long as you need to in order to process through the loss. Others in our lives can help us through the grief process and we should welcome and seek their support but there are things you can do to help yourself as well. Here are some suggestions you may consider:
- Recognize your loss by putting your grief into words -- write it in a journal, in a letter to yourself or to the individual you have lost, write a forum thread about it memorializing your loved one, express it to a close friend or family member, talk to a spiritual leader or a professional counselor, talk to a listener here on 7cups or share in Sharing Circle.
- Join a support group that deals with grief. This can be a safe environment to share about your grief openly, and be surrounded by others who are in similar situations. Your local mental health center, hospital, or even crisis line can direct you on finding groups in your area. You can also join the group support rooms here on 7cups.
- Take care of yourself. Keep a regular schedule, eat a balanced diet, get adequate rest, and exercise moderately.
- Avoid taking on any new or extra responsibilities that may add stress to your life
- Control the urge to make life-changing decisions. A loss can cause major disruption in our lives and it common to feel lost. Be patient and make small decisions or identify tasks that can be easily done, this will help you feel confident and in control of life.
- Plan activities that give you something to look forward to and things that bring you comfort and enjoyment - a walk with a friend, going out to eat, vacation, a spa day. If a holiday or specific day is particularly hard because of loss, plan activities or ask a friend to plan some that you find supportive
- Let your friends, family, and work/school peers know what you need from them. People in your life may feel hesitant to talk about your loss. If talking about the loss would help you, let others know this. Sharing memories tells bereaved individuals that their loss is real and remembered and their pain is shared.
- If you are currently employed, learn if your workplace has a policy on bereavement leave and talk with your supervisor about options if you need time off or a temporary adjustment in work hours, workload, or responsibilities.
What are some other things that you would recommend for someone who is dealing with grief? Feel free to share any resources.
@HopieRemi
ive been grieving for so many years now but still dont know how to really grieve or make sense of any of it ...it's so weird ...the constant mix of numbness and chaos ...hard to explain too :(
soemthing for others dealing with the same...idk much...uh i guess just that know your not alone and it really is ok to take your time in processing stuff 💕
Hiiiii! Thank you for sharing. It can definitely feel weird to feel such a mix! Grief can get complex. I agree with your tips! It’s okay to work things on your time! @Optimisticempath
@HopieRemi I deal with grief myself right now I lost my dad on November 13, 2023, massive heart attack if could give anymore advice about grief is talk to family member or friend about how feel about loss of someone you love and going for walking do something you love to do help a lot and read grief book or write down your feels helps a lot and do something that loss of love one would love to do and help a lot for process grief these thing try doing for myself my grief fresh and new to me loss of dad is hardest thing ever had deal with in my life and something deal with rest of my life
@countrygirl9988
Hello! Thank you for sharing your tips! I am sorry about your loss and I hope the pain softens as time goes on.
@HopieRemi yes take one day at time and miss my dad everyday these tips help me cope with my grief over my dad on 13th being 6 months seen he died been hardest 6 months of my life
Hugs. We are here for you
@HopieRemi Thank you for the tips. I try to journal about it but it's hard to put into words. Like @Optimisticempath I'm not sure how to grieve or if I'm grieving at all. When I'm numb I don't think about it. When I think about it there's so many conflicting emotions that's it's overwhelming and everything goes numb again
@mytwistedsoul
no need to apologize.
dealing with grief is hard enough without having to deal with the money and the estate. I can’t imagine how frustrating being the one to have to deal with it and your father’s girlfriend causing you more suffering. We are here for you.
@HopieRemi Thank you :) I think having to deal with the estate and everything involved is some of why I might not be grieving. I can't get lost or dwell on my emotions because I need to keep my head together so things get done
@mytwistedsoul
Totally make sense, please allow yourself some time for after to grieve.
@HopieRemi
Hey @communicativePond1728 grief can be so hard! Thank you for sharing some of the things you have done to cope with your grief! I hope you’re in a better state within your grief process.
@HopieRemi Thank you for writing this my friend. I would say talking to a grief counselor or a listener here at 7cups, might be helpful for some.
You’re welcome!