How to Cope with Grief

As much as we don’t want to admit it, grief will occur for everyone at one point or another. It’s one of the unfortunate parts of life that brings unfamiliar and unwanted emotions.

Grief can cause a range of signs and symptoms. These symptoms can include anything from confusion, emotional distress, fear of the future, ruminating on the past, or even separation anxiety. It often also involves a profound sense of loss.

Because grief impacts everyone differently, it’s important to understand how to cope with these newfound emotions and how to move forward after loss.

Causes of grief

In most cases, grief is associated with death. This could be losing a family member, friend, or pet. Life changes can trigger grief, including community violence, natural disasters, or global events. Other causes of grief could be a divorce or break up, loss of a job, or a change in current living situation.

Ways to cope with grief

The path to moving on and processing grief and loss can feel, at times, challenging or even impossible. It’s important to understand and realize that you can work through grief. Also, there are ways to healthily work through the grieving process. This can include:

Be prepared for triggers

It’s common to have triggers after a significant loss. These could include not wanting to hear certain songs, watching certain shows or movies, or dreading certain days, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. When possible, try to identify potential triggers and be cognizant of feelings that can emerge. Try to find a place or a space where you can grieve. Have a person who can be your buddy or support system to help you cope and manage these feelings.

Maintain your routine

After a loss, life can sometimes feel unmanageable or impossible to get through. Getting back to normal and having a regular schedule, can help bring a sense of comfort and control while still going through the grieving process. Try to get back to doing things you enjoy including your hobbies that can help offer a welcome or distraction.

Journal your emotions

Sometimes, writing things down is easier than saying them out loud. Journaling can be a comforting and safe space to communicate your feelings or write to your loved one. Try to write down your thoughts or feelings or one good moment from the day.

Remember, grieving is normal.

There’s no one specific way to cope with loss. It’s completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions that can fluctuate and change day-to-day and throughout the grieving process. What might trigger you one day might not be a trigger the next day or time. On the flip side, something that's never previously been a trigger could now trigger negative emotions and feelings.

Lean on your support system.

It’s common for someone who is grieving to self-isolate or do the bare minimum around others. Grief can feel overwhelming, and it’s important to identify those who can be your support system when you need them most. Support systems will include family members, friends, counselors, or other trusted individuals in your life who can help you throughout the grieving process.

Maintain self-care

Someone who is grieving may tend to neglect their well-being because they are focused on the loss or helping those around them get through the grieving process. During this time, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself by getting adequate amounts of sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and staying hydrated. It’s also important to make sure you’re doing things and spending time with those closest to you. The key here is to do things that bring you calmness and enjoyment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief after a loss or major life event therapy can help. Please reach out today to learn more about grief counseling.