Coping With Grief
Losing someone close to you can be the hardest part of life. There is no right or wrong way to feel; your feelings may change from day to day or even hour to hour. Every one of us will experience this during our lives, but how we deal with it is completely individual and unique to YOU.
It is normal to not feel your ‘normal’ self – Be kind to yourself as grief is exhausting and tough. Acknowledge when you take each step, as little as it is, you’re doing really well in taking that step.
“Grief never ends, but it changes”
Take Care Of Yourself
Often when you lose someone it’s very easy to forget about YOU. At this time you may think that there are other things more important things to deal with than looking after yourself. But, neglecting yourself can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health.
Trying to maintain a daily routine can help give you structure to your day and give you the physical and mental strength to get through it.
- It’s ok to take some time to yourself.
- It’s ok to have a soak in a hot bubble bath or take a long shower.
- It’s ok to lie on your bed and just listen to music.
- It’s ok to have a lie in (unless you have work to get to of course)
- It’s ok to go to the shops for some retail therapy.
- It’s ok to binge watch the next big series of Netflix.
IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK.
How you deal with grief is up to you!
Taking Can Help
Sometimes when you lose someone, you avoid talking about them or how you are feeling. It could be too painful or you worry you will upset someone else too.
Talking through things can help you cope and gives you the opportunity to vent your feelings. You will probably realise that you’re not alone and you can support each other and talking about them is nothing to be afraid of. Everyone has feelings.
If you don’t feel like you can talk to friends or family, there are loads of organisations that are there to help. Sometimes it can be useful to talk to someone you don’t know, where they can offer a listening ear, some advice and support through this difficult time.
At Lucas Love Healthcare, we are always here for you – if you ever want to lift the phone, we can be that listening ear.
If you find you are struggling, don’t hesitate in contacting your GP. They can refer you to supporting services where they can help you get through this.
Coping with bereavement | Macmillan Cancer Support
Untangle Grief | Free Bereavement Support & Grief Services
For those times when you may not feel comfortable saying how you feel out loud – it can help to write your feelings down. Scribble drawings or doodles, write words of feelings, write what you would love to say to someone or that person you lost. Getting words out there can be a form of venting, even if you don’t say them out loud.
Grief Has No Time Limit
Grief is an individual process. Probably one of the biggest questions you will ask yourself is “when will I feel better?” Unfortunately, there is no answer to this, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Your feelings are valid and understandable, no matter the time.
REMEMBER – MEMORIES ARE OURS!
