Have you suffered a terrible loss? Are you trying to find some way, any way, to feel better?
There are many types of grief and none of them are easy to get through. The good news is that there are ways to cope with grief that’ll give you the strength to keep going.
We’ve put together a guide to help you every step of the way. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Accept the Pain
When it comes to coping with grief, many people try to ignore the pain they feel. They prefer to pretend that they’re still capable of going through their normal routine without any problems.
The issue with this approach is that, sooner or later, that grief will come out. Instead of taking the time to work through the pain, it’ll fester like a disease. It’ll cause turmoil that would have otherwise run out its course.
The most important thing is to accept the fact that you’re in pain no matter how much it hurts. Allow yourself to feel it because this is the healthiest way to approach grief. Keeping it hidden will only do you more harm in the long run.
Create a Support Group
Do you have someone to contact if those dark thoughts take hold of you? It’s important to build up a network of people who all agree to look out for one another. This way, if things get rough, you’ll have someone there to help you.
Many people tend to create a group with their friends and family. It’s a source of comfort even if you never need to call anyone in the middle of the night.
Some people prefer to join a support group with like-minded strangers rather than create one of their own. Either way works as long as you give yourself the right tools for healthy grieving.
See a Professional
Sometimes learning how to cope with grief only works with the help of a professional. Someone who knows and understands how grief functions and how best to approach each stage of it.
Many people enjoy the guidance a professional provides. They’re reassured to know that there’s always someone there to work through the grief with them.
Professionals like Karyn Seitz know how to adjust their approach to suit the person in need. If you ever feel lost or overwhelmed, seeking professional help is the best course of action.
Talk With Loved Ones
It’s not uncommon to withdraw into yourself when grief hits hardest. You want to shut out the world and ignore everything until the pain stops. This instinct is normal, but it’s not a healthy way to cope.
You’ll need to make the extra effort to talk to your friends and family. The chances are good that they’re grieving too. Although everyone deals with grief in their own way, you might be able to help each other throughout the process.
Talking to loved ones gives you a safe space to explore healthy coping mechanisms without any fear of judgment.
Utilize Self-Care
You’ll want to take the time to indulge in self-care practices. Find activities or treats for yourself that give you comfort. Something that helps you relax and feel better for a time.
It can be as simple as buying yourself a pack of cookies or as elaborate as going on a vacation. Take a bubble bath or watch a movie. Find the ways that make dealing with grief a little easier for you.
Don’t be afraid to treat yourself well during these trying times. Our instincts try to make us feel guilty about it, but it’s all part of the grieving process.
Keep Exercising
Did you know that exercise is a great coping mechanism? It gives you a healthy outlet to use any pent-up energy and it helps to relieve both stress and anxiety.
This is why many people suggest exercise as a way to get through grief.
You may feel like staying home all day but a little bit of exercise goes a long way in helping you feel better. Even a walk around the block is enough to make a difference.
It’s difficult, but try to push yourself to go for a small bit of exercise. It’ll give you a kind of relief you won’t be able to replicate any other way.
Find a New Routine
As grief takes hold, you might be tempted to try and keep up with your regular routine. It’s natural to think that forcing yourself back to all of your responsibilities is the healthiest way to tackle grief.
The problem is that loss creates a rift in your life. Even if you go back to your normal routine, you’ll continue to feel that loss in the way that things have now changed.
Instead, your best choice is to create a new routine that suits the new life you find yourself in. It’s a better option than trying to force yourself into a role that no longer fits.
Give Yourself Time
Grief requires time to lessen its hold on you. Sooner or later, you’ll start to realize that you don’t feel as bad now as you did before.
The important thing to keep in mind is that no one grieves within the same timeline. It might take you longer than your other family members and that’s okay. You might get through your grief before them and that’s okay too.
As long as you allow yourself the time to work through the difficult emotions, there is no right or wrong answer. Take as much time as you need.
Knowing the Ways to Cope With Grief Make the Process Easier
Learning the right ways to cope with grief isn’t easy. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another. The key is to keep trying until you find something that works for you.
Remember to be kind to yourself during this difficult time. You’ll make it through the other side of this dark cloud soon enough.
Browse through the rest of our blog for more ways on how to get through the hardships of life.
