Coping with Grief and Bereavement: Strategies for Healing after Loss

Reflection on the pathway through grief.

Loss is a universal experience that can be challenging to navigate, whether it's from the passing of a loved one, job loss, or other forms of loss. Leading a grief group program has shown the continuous need for support in processing grief. Unresolved grief can resurface unexpectedly even after years. Personal coping strategies include staying busy, being productive, and avoiding grief, but it's important to properly mourn losses.

I'm hoping that these strategies for coping with grief from personal experiences might serve as a guide for navigating their grieving journey.

Strategies for Healing after Loss

Slow Down

Give yourself the space to acknowledge the need to grieve at your own pace. It's okay if you can't concentrate or if you feel like isolating yourself. Allow yourself to take a break and understand that grieving is a process that requires time.

Recognize Your Unique Way of Grieving

Everyone has a unique way of grieving, and your grieving style doesn't have to match anyone else's. It's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.

Make Connections

Understand that the intensity of sadness will lessen over time, and it's crucial to make adjustments in your life. Building meaningful connections can help alleviate loneliness. Avoid making significant decisions immediately after a loss.

Prioritize Self-Care

Adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as following the

DEER rule

D = drinking water

E = eating properly

E = exercising

R=rest/sleep.

If you're not accustomed to seeking help from others, challenge yourself to accept support, take breaks, and allow yourself to heal at your own pace.

Express Your Emotions Freely

Allow yourself to express your emotions freely, whether it's through writing in a journal, talking to a trusted friend, or engaging in creative activities like art or music. Find what works best for you in processing your feelings of loss and allow yourself to grieve without judgment.

Remember that healing is not a linear process, and it's okay to have good days and bad days. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate through the waves of grief. You are not alone in this journey, and reaching out for help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Embrace the memories of your loved one and carry their legacy forward with love and resilience. Healing takes time, but with self-care, support, and understanding, you will find moments of peace and acceptance amidst the pain. You deserve to heal and to find comfort in the midst of grief.

Resources to cope with loss:

Support Groups

• GriefShare: A nationwide support group program that offers a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others who are grieving.

• Compassionate Friends: A support network for parents who have lost children, providing both emotional support and practical resources.

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Offers support groups and resources for those grieving the loss of a loved one by suicide.

• National Alliance for Grieving Children: Focuses on supporting children and teens who are grieving, along with their families.

Online Resources and Communities

• What's Your Grief: A website offering articles, podcasts, and online courses about various aspects of grief.

• Grief.com: An online resource hub that provides articles, forums, and support for all types of grief.

Creative Outlets for Grief

• Art Therapy: Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or music can help express and process grief.

• Journaling: Keeping a journal to document feelings and memories can be a therapeutic way to navigate grief.