Losing someone close to you is a horrible experience. Many people say that the hardest part of the loss isn’t being able to communicate with the person again. Knowing you’ve seen your loved one for the last time is a soul-crushing realization. Sometimes, grief can get so overwhelming that you feel like you can no longer function.
Even though it can feel like nothing is going to make things better, it does get easier. Here are some strategies that can help when you’re trying to cope with the grief of losing someone.
Take care of yourself.
While grieving, people tend to neglect their physical needs because they can’t find the energy to do anything. It’s also easy to overlook regular self-care rituals like brushing your teeth and showering regularly. As difficult as it may be, you have to care for yourself as not doing so can worsen your mood. Taking healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can actually help you to regulate your mood and ultimately feel better.
You must also resist the temptation to numb the pain. Loss comes with deep hurt, and that can make you turn to alcohol and drugs. However, substance abuse very often leads to addiction and dependence, which is terrible for your physical and emotional health. You should avoid alcohol altogether within the first few months after the loss.
Seek support.
Grief is something that everyone experiences, and so, you can rest assured in the fact that you’re not alone. You should look to people around you for support and encouragement, especially people who share the loss with you. Comforting each other and sharing fond memories can help you move on from the loss. You can also join a grief support group and share your pain with other people who are going through the same thing.
While seeking support from people around you, you have to be ready to let them know what helps and what doesn’t. Very often, people will come across as hurtful to you, even when they’re trying to help. For example, they might tell you to ‘be grateful for what you have.’ However, if your loved died at a young age, this comment might be offensive to you.
Accept your feelings.
In some situations, people start to blame themselves when they lose somebody. You may begin to feel guilty for not spending more time with the person, or wish you had been more present at the moment. However, you have to accept that sometimes, these things happen and there’s nothing anyone can do about them. It’s better to reminisce on the good times shared and let those comfort you.
You can also think about the fact that you did everything you could have done. Very often, when we’re faced with the risk of losing someone close to us, we are willing to do whatever it takes, either it’s to seek medical treatment at Stemaid – Stem Cell Institute or dropping everything to be by their side. Sometimes, you just have to accept that whatever you did is enough.
Leave a Reply