October 26, 2015 by Miller Funeral & Cremation Services Staff
After a significant loss, it is hard to fathom the road ahead. The grieving process is different for each of us and how we express our sadness is also uniquely our own.
You may feel the urge to cocoon for a while, reluctant to be around anyone but for a few close friends or family members. Or, you may be the type of person who needs to get busy and re-engaged in socializing right away.
The important thing to remember is that recovering from a loss is an active, personal process that requires support and self-awareness.
Embracing The Process, Healing From Grief
One of the things that is easy to forget is that grieving is an action. Recovering from the death of a loved one stirs up our deepest emotions, and yet, grieving itself requires work. This work may come through processing our feelings, including anger and sadness, as well as reaching out and accepting the help that is available.
In order to give yourself the best possible resources and means of support, here are some practical suggestions.
Honor your loved one by sharing memories –Keeping your loved one’s spirit alive through personalized memorials can also help bring a sense of reverence and appreciation for the beautiful time you had together. There are many options for a touching tribute – whether through an online memorial or a special ceremony created specifically for your departed loved one.
Accept practical assistance – It’s likely you won’t feel like attending to daily errands, chores, and meals for a few weeks. That is why friends, family members, and neighbors are often the first to lend a hand. Accepting help from others is a wonderful expression of healing for both the giver and the receiver.
Connect with those who understand – For many, reaching out to others who have experienced a similar loss can be beneficial. Whether you choose a face-to-face support group or an online grief support forum, simply feeling validated can make a significant impact in the mourning process.
Work with a professional counselor or person of faith – Along with a community of peers who understand, individual counseling can provide context and focus as you work through the various stages of grief.
Maintain a routine, including meals and exercise – Just getting up at the usual time, having a cup of coffee, and going for a brisk walk can create a sense of normalcy when it is needed most. Exercise also releases endorphins, which will help improve mood and concentration.
When Grieving Overtakes Thriving
There comes a time when – despite our continuing sense of loss – it is time to reconnect with the joy of being alive. You may have dropped many hobbies or activities during your period of mourning or you may have isolated for a few weeks (or even months).
While a lack of interest in normal activities is normal for a length of time following a death, it can also indicate underlying depression after a few months have passed.
Working with others who are adept in helping navigate the loss, can give you a better sense of whether or not grief has overtaken your ability to participate in life.
Grieving does take time, and there is no right or wrong way of mourning. However, you deserve a full, connected, joy-filled existence and the ability to make wonderful new memories with friends and family.
To connect with one of our team members regarding available grief support resources, please contact Miller Funeral Services & Cremation Society of Texas. We are here for you.
Leave a Reply 0 comments