Dealing With Grief {Part 1}

In this world, we WILL have trouble, suffering, and loss. That's a promise, and we can't really do much to get out of it. However, we can choose to deal with grief in either an unhealthy or a healthy way- that choice is yours. So, here is one of my first posts on dealing with grief in a healthy manner.

1. Get Support from those close to you! It may feel selfish to lean on those around you, but it’s not. That’s what close family and friends are for! Tell people what you need from them (ex= “I need help dealing with funeral arrangements” “I just need someone to sit with me for awhile” “I would like someone to go with me while I visit his/her grave” etc…).
2. Join a Support Group: This can be online or in person. Some find this helpful, but may not be for you.
3. Find a counselor: Not only is this a professional who can normalize feelings, educate on grief, and give some helpful tips through your grief journey, but it also provides a safe place for your to process your experiences and feelings.
4. Take care of yourself physically: The most tempting thing with grief is to either not eat anything or overeat, not exercise, and stay in bed or sit in front of the TV for hours. However, because there is a mind-body connection, a lack of physical health leads to a further lack in mental/emotional health. Getting up, moving, and trying to regulate your eating schedule can be healthy. Sometimes foods are difficult to eat, so try consuming liquids like Ensure to get extra nutrients that you need, protein bars, and soups. This can be easier to stomach then a ham sandwich or pot roast.   

      Ok, I don't want to overwhelm you with a long list of things today, so 'll leave it at that for today. If you have things that have helped you through the grieving process, make sure to comment!