Grief is an emotion that is deeply personal and often overwhelming that appears after the loss of significant others. While grieving is a natural process, overcoming grief can be challenging for some. Here are some ways to help you manage your grief:
Do’s
Feel your feelings
Create time and space to allow yourself to experience your feelings non-judgmentally.
Express your feelings
Find ways to express your feelings. Crying, journaling, writing poems or drawing may be some ways to express your feelings.
Maintain connections
Reach out to your close friends and family. Confiding in others can help you to feel supported, cared for as well as reduce feelings of isolation.
Practise self-care
Set aside your own “me” time to engage in activities that you find pleasurable such as exercising, shopping, watching movies and hanging out with friends.
Be patient with yourself
Everyone’s experience of grief is unique. Grieve at your own pace. Avoid comparing yourself to others and judging yourself for not being able to overcome your grief quickly. Instead, be patient and self-compassionate in allowing yourself time to process the loss and adjust to life without your loved one.
Seek professional help
If your grief feels overwhelming or even interferes with your daily life, you should seek professional help from psychologists and counsellors in overcoming your grief.
Don’ts:
Don’t let guilt consume you
Feelings of guilt are common when grieving, especially thinking about what you could have done differently. Be self-compassionate and exercise forgiveness as it would not be possible for you to have foreseen and controlled the outcome.
Don’t isolate yourself
It is normal to have thoughts of withdrawing socially as you do not want others to see you in your sad state and cause them to worry about you. Avoid doing this over a prolonged period of time as isolating yourself will only maintain your sadness. Stay connected with a supportive network, even if it’s just a brief check-in.
Don’t rush the process
Rushing to overcome your grief through suppressing your sadness or distracting yourself with multiple activities may be counterproductive. Accept that grief is a personal journey and allow yourself as much time as needed.
Don’t numb yourself with substances
Alcohol or drugs might seem like a temporary escape, but they can worsen grief in the long run.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help
Seeking professional help isn’t a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward healing and restoration. Trained psychologists and counsellors can help you to navigate and process your grief.
