Grief looks different for everyone; each journey is unique, shaped by personal emotions, experiences, and triggers. It’s important to remember that the healing process is not linear, and your current progress is natural and okay. At Gerst, we understand the complexities that come with loss. That’s why we offer guidance and encouragement to walk alongside individuals as they navigate their grief.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
Allow yourself to sit in the uncomfortable. Grief and the emotions that come with loss can feel overwhelming or unbearable at times. Confronting those overwhelming emotions by naming them, whether sadness, anger, regret, guilt, or another feeling, is the first step to taking away its power over you. While some of those emotions can be difficult to acknowledge, they are all natural. Sitting with large, scary feelings takes practice, but when you do, the burden of grief can become a little lighter and allow you to take another step forward toward healing.
Talk About It
Talking about your grief can be transformative, allowing you to release emotions and lean on the support of others. Whether it’s sharing your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or loved one, joining a local support group, or connecting with an online community, opening up can bring comfort on even the hardest days. For those experiencing complicated grief, speaking with a professional therapist can provide a safe space to unpack your emotions and develop effective coping strategies.
Practice Mindfulness
Taking care of your overall wellness is an essential part of healing. Learning effective strategies and practices that help you get in tune with your mind and body can be incredibly healing and re-energizing. Mindfulness can look different for everyone and can adapt to different situations. For example, learning new breathing exercises can be helpful when experiencing overwhelming emotions, but they also can be effective as a calming ritual before bed, signaling to your body that it’s time to rest. Mindfulness also looks like journaling, self-care activities, and gratitude affirmations. Whether you start small by naming three things you are grateful for daily or learn a new technique to help center yourself, taking that step towards mindfulness is a step towards self-compassion.
Ask For Help
Grief is a long and complex journey, filled with changes that can feel overwhelming. While it may seem isolating and painful, remember you don’t have to face it alone. Connection can be transformative in the healing process when you allow yourself to lean on those around you for support. Whether you need someone to sit quietly by your side or someone to talk to, asking for help is an act of courage and strength.
At Gerst, we’re here to support you through every season. We understand how difficult it is to navigate the burden of grief, and we encourage you to take care of yourself and reach out for support. Whether you need preplanning assistance or strategies to cope with grief, we’re ready to help relieve some of the burden.
