It’s common to experience feelings of grief when we lose someone we care about, go through a significant life change, experience a natural disaster or another significant challenge.
Grief impacts us all in different ways and at different times in our lives.
How can we deal with grief?
- Accept that grief takes time – It’s unpredictable and may come and go in waves. Take each day as it comes and try not to think too far ahead, there is no set time for grieving.
- Allow yourself to feel your grief and know that whatever you’re feeling is okay – try writing down your thoughts to help process and understand them.
- Reach out to people you trust for support – talking about your feelings and experiences can help you to process grief in the long term.
- Consider ceremonies, rituals, memorials or remembrance meals or events – these events provide an opportunity for you to share your memories, stories and feelings with others.
- Try to keep your usual routine as this can help you to feel more stable – maintain your set times for eating, exercise and sleep.
- Do things you like doing and spend time with people you feel comfortable with – give yourself permission to ‘take a break’ from your grief and do something relaxing and enjoyable. It doesn’t mean that you don’t care or aren’t still grieving, just that you’re looking after yourself.
- Keep active – move your body, even if it is just a 10 minute walk around your local area.
- Look after your body and remember to eat, even if you don’t feel like it – try to maintain a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Seek professional help if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
