6 Ways to Manage Your Grief!

Grief is a normal part of coping with loss. It could be the loss of a job, a pet, a loved one or even a romantic relationship. All of these bring about a sense of loss which needs to be dealt with. It is completely normal to feel bitter, numb, detached and distant from people and places. But when is it too much? When one starts having suicidal thoughts, prolonged depression and loss of interest in daily tasks among other things. This may be signs of a grief management problem.

Here are some ways you can manage your grief:

1. Express yourself:

Don’t be afraid to talk about your emotions. Talk to family and friends about how you feel. Verbalizing how you feel will help you better deal with your emotions. This can help you begin the healing process.

2. Allow yourself to feel sad:

It’s okay to feel sad after a loss. Allowing yourself to feel sad is a healthy step in the grieving process. Letting yourself feel sad gives you the time needed to come to terms with the loss.

3. Keep your routine:

Keeping your routine helps to transition back to how life was before the loss. It can be as simple as going for a walk in the morning or waking up at your usual time.

4. Sleep:

Emotional strain can drain your body. It is important to sleep and wake up at regular hours as too much or too little sleep can be a sign of a grief management problem.

5. Avoid things which “numb” the pain:

Things like as alcohol, nicotine and other controlled substances should be avoided during this time. This is because while the effects of these substances wear off, your pain will come back worse than before. Prolonged use of these substances can also lead to other health issues.

6. Seek professional help:

It is okay to seek professional help if it feels right for you. Counsellors can help by equipping you with various tools and techniques to help deal with your loss.