Your Grief Windham ME

Your Grief — Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One

• Be involved in planning the funeral service.

• Some cultures, such as the Chinese, Mexican, and Irish encourage keening, or loud wailing.

• Keep in contact with friends.

• Don’t ignore your feelings. Talk about how you feel with friends and family.

• Avoid spending a lot of time with friends who are also in a grieving period. This can lead to deeper depression.

• Listen to music. This will help you access your feelings.

• Spend time outdoors.

• If you have a hobby spend some extra time doing it.

• Exercise is important because it causes metabolic changes that can help relieve sadness.

• Avoid drinking or drug use to escape your emotions.

• If your emotions seem out of control you, don’t hesitate to talk to a therapist. Many people need help adjusting to the loss of a loved one.

• Recognize that you’re not a victim. Everyone has a right to grieve over a loss — however minor or significant. Feeling that your loss — whatever it may be — is more significant than others’ losses keeps you stuck and prevents you from enjoying new, happier moments.

• To overcome grief ask, "How can I make a difference?" rather than "Why did this happen to me." It is very difficult to deal with the loss of a loved one. The grieving period is painful. However, keep in mind that it’s normal to feel pain, and that, given time, it will subside.