The loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult to deal with. While you may anticipate a certain degree of despair after someone you care about passes away, many people are surprised by the intensity and duration of their sadness. According to psychologists, grief has a way of depleting a person’s energy. This means you may feel it is impossible to complete even the simplest of tasks weeks or months after suffering a loss. To get through this period, it can be beneficial to explore various healthy ways to mourn and see what works best for you.
Not Just Sadness
Before you can move through your pain, you need to recognize grief for what it is. It may feel like sadness, but experiencing loss is about much more than being a bit blue. Emotions can be all over the place during this time. You may feel anger, despair, denial, irritability, confusion, anxiety, and fatigue all at once. These overwhelming emotional responses can completely rule your life if you don’t acknowledge them for what they are. Someone has died and you need to cope with it.
Spiraling Sensations
The trouble with loss is that it can manifest itself in many ways. Most often, a small passing thought about the departed will trigger a much more intense response in a person. For example, you may be having a fine morning doing household chores when the stray thought of the deceased’s favorite song comes to your mind. Though it may be difficult to handle, it is best to allow yourself to experience the impact of this moment. Do not try to push away the thought or hide from how it makes you feel.
Once the initial wave of emotions pass and you have a clear mind, focus on your breathing. Steady your breath and get yourself a glass of water. Try not to do anything too strenuous for a few minutes. Use this moment to check in with yourself. By allowing yourself to feel the response and using the period after to recover and assess, you are making yourself aware of your grief’s impact on your life. Some find talking to friends and family members about these responses can be a good way to heal.
Connect With the Departed
A large part of grief is coming to terms with the fact your loved one is no longer a physical presence in your life. What’s important to remember during this time is the effect that the departed had on you. It can be helpful to connect with your loved one by exploring the interests he or she had while alive. If your father recently passed and he enjoyed nature, for example, you may find it comforting to take a long hike through the woods. This may help you feel the presence of your father in a way you didn’t expect.
Take Care of Yourself
When a significant loss rocks your life, you may find it difficult to take care of yourself or to do even the most basic tasks. Specifically, you may lack the will to shower, dress, and tackle your day. Though it is hard to grasp while you’re mourning, you need to take care of yourself. If you feel you are unable to find the motivation to carry through your daily routine, have a close friend or family member nearby help you. By taking care of your health and wellness, you’ll find it easier to mourn and move through this period.
Though dealing with the loss of a loved one may be difficult, it is crucial to find healthy ways to mourn. Give yourself time to explore different options and learn how to move through this difficult period in your life.
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