Coping with Grief and loss are an inevitable part of the human experience. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or a dream, these experiences can be incredibly painful and difficult to navigate. Grief can feel like a heavy weight on your chest, making it hard to breathe or move forward. However, there are many ways to cope with grief and loss and eventually heal through it.
The Stages of Coping with Grief and Loss
The stages of grief were first introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book “On Death and Dying.” The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not necessarily linear or universal, and some people may not experience all of them. It is important to remember that there is no set timeline for grief, and everyone experiences it differently.
Feel all the Emotions
One important aspect to consider when you are coping with grief and loss is allowing yourself to feel the emotions that come up. It’s okay to be sad, angry, or confused. In fact, it’s healthy to acknowledge and express your emotions rather than suppressing them. It’s also important to seek support from others, whether it’s from friends, family, counsellor or psychologist. Talking about your feelings can be a helpful way to process them and feel less alone. You can read this blog post about How to choose a mental health professional.
Focus on Self Care
Another helpful coping mechanism is self-care. This can include things like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time, as grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
One thing to keep in mind is that healing from grief and loss does not mean forgetting the person or thing you’ve lost. It’s okay to hold onto memories and continue to feel sad at times. Healing means finding a way to move forward with your life while still honoring the person or thing you’ve lost.
Be Patient and Kind
It’s also important to be patient with yourself during the healing process. Coping with Grief can be a long and complicated journey, and there may be setbacks along the way. It’s important to be kind and compassionate towards yourself, and not rush the process.
In conclusion, grief and loss are painful experiences that are a part of the human experience. While there is no set timeline for grieving or healing, it’s important to allow yourself to feel your emotions, seek support, practice self-care, and be patient with yourself. Remember that healing does not mean forgetting, but rather finding a way to move forward while still honoring the person or thing you’ve lost.
If you are finding you need some extra support, or if your are thinking about suicide while you are coping with grief and loss, we welcome you to book an appointment with McKinney Psychology.
