Losing a loved one or experiencing grief is incredibly difficult. Navigating everyday life is hard after loss, but resources are available to lift your spirits and help you on your healing journey. At Gerst Funeral Homes, we want to support you through your grief and help you learn to live with loss. Here are some tips for working through grief.
Express Your Grief
When someone you love dies, it can be challenging to express the degree and nature of your grief in a way that feels natural. There are no set instructions for expressing grief; any way you grieve and express your sadness is valid. Grief is unique to every individual and has its own timing and intensity for everyone.
It’s important to resist the urge to “bottle it up” and express your sadness to those around you. Keeping your emotions tucked away can result in negative consequences and is often unhealthy in the long run. Grief support groups can connect you and encourage you to discuss your feelings with others going through similar experiences. Sharing your grief can reveal its unique complexities and help you better understand your emotions. You can discover new strategies and support in your healing journey by listening to others.
Respect Your Own Emotions to Find Peace
One of the more significant hardships grieving individuals face is repressing their emotions and trying to ignore how they truly feel. While this is common and many times our natural response to cope, it can harm our mental and emotional wellness.
It’s essential to realize that you must come to terms with the death of your loved one before you can move on and begin navigating grief in a healthy way. By fighting against your instinct to avoid the overwhelming emotions following death, it is better to allow yourself to feel them and express them. Once you accept their death and name your feelings, you can begin your healing journey.
Understand Unique Grieving Situations
Not everyone deals with grief in the same way, and this is especially true for young children and teenagers. Younger people may not understand the concept of death or have the fully developed emotional capacity to deal with these difficult emotions. Life’s natural cycle should be taught sensitively and respectfully, with room for curiosity and questions.
During this discussion, consider doing your best to draw back the curtain of mystique around death while assuring them. Talking with children or teens about death can be tricky, but it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and be open and honest about what’s happening and why. Children and teens may also benefit from local support groups to connect with others their age who are also dealing with similar situations.
This is just one example of how age can shape a unique experience of grief. Factors like culture, complicated relationships, life circumstances, and more can make each person’s grieving journey distinct. It’s vital to remember that everyone processes grief in their own way. Encourage others on their path and remind them that it’s okay for their grief to look different from anyone else’s.
Reach Out to Friends and Loved Ones
Working through your grief doesn’t have to be a lonely process. You have friends and loved ones eager to support and encourage you. It is essential to reach out during your time of need. Your support system will assure you that it is okay to mourn and feel the emotions while encouraging you that the grief will pass with time. Since everyone has a unique perspective on grieving, reaching out to others can offer valuable advice based on what helped them during their journey.
Focus On Physical Health
The grieving process has many physical side effects. The way we treat our bodies affects our overall mental health. One way you can work through grief is to treat your physical body well. Simple things like going for a walk outside or eating a meal you enjoy are easy ways to boost endorphins and work towards a healthier emotional well-being. Making healthy habits a part of your daily ritual can help you work through your grief and adapt positive coping outlets.
Gerst Resources
At Gerst, we’re here to support you through every step of the grieving process. From preplanning to ease the burden on your loved ones to guiding you through funeral arrangements and offering resources for coping with loss, we’re by your side. We are here to help guide you through this chapter in your life. The other side of grief is bright, and you will get there at your own unique pace.
