grieving process

Grief, also known as bereavement, can stem from a multitude of events, varying from loss of a loved one to diagnosis of an illness. These events can cause the victim to feel emotions which include, but are not limited to, anger, fear, anxiety, shock, and sadness.

Because of this combination of events and emotions, there is no one way to handle grief. Everyone is unique and each situation should be handled with a great deal of care and respect.

You will notice, as you grow older, that people handle grief in so many different ways. While certain people tend to conceal their feelings and become quiet, others might become expressive or violent. There is no telling what to expect from a person who is handling grief as it can be attributed to so many influencing factors.

Working Through Grief

The process of grief must be addressed and dealt with appropriately. This is an event where a person can learn so much about themselves, but it requires the proper resources and support network to do so.

Here are six important things you need to remember if you – or someone you know – is currently dealing with grief and everything that goes along with it:

Do not place expectations on the healing process

Each and every one of us is unique and has different healing times. If we push the individual who is working through grief, they might not heal properly, resulting in more emotional distress down the road.

Express yourself

If you want to cry, then cry! If you want to be quiet, be quiet! Don’t place expectations on yourself for how to feel during periods of grief. Expressing yourself in whatever way is most comfortable for you will assist you on your path of healing.

Recognize and accept the loss

While accepting loss can be one of the most difficult challenges, we can grow so much from it. The way we as humans persevere through hardships is amazing. Remember the good times that you had with the individual who has passed away, and appreciate how fortunate you were to have them in your life. Imagine how happy they would be to see you continue embracing life to the fullest!

Offer support

If you or someone you know needs to talk, seek out a friend or family member to confide in. Remember to always approach these situations with an open mind and a kind heart. We are stronger as a team!

Take your time when making decisions

When we are not feeling 100%, it is very possible for us to make rash decisions that can significantly impact our lives. If you have an idea that you would like to act on, write it down. Come back to it within a few days or weeks and see if you still agree with the statement.

Slowly incorporate familiar activities back into your life

Returning to your day-to-day life is ultimately the end goal – to be able to go to work, engage in sports, and hang out with friends again. The more you incorporate this familiarity back into your life, the easier the grieving process will be.