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Losing a loved one or a dear friend is extremely heartbreaking and emotionally draining. It’s hard to say goodbye to someone you’ve known and spent years with and see them leave this world. The best thing you can do for them and yourself is to hope and pray they rest in peace.
Here are some ways that will help you cope with this loss:
· Face and Process Your Grief: It’s always advisable to let your emotions out as much as you can once you have experienced losing someone close to you. Holding on to your grief and ignoring it will only make you frustrated. You’ll end up projecting your anger and problems on other people or situations.
· Turn to friends and family members: The death of a loved one can make you appreciate the people around you — those who have been there for you in your time of need and will continue to help you with your grief. Hence, seek help and comfort from them and surround yourself with positivity and affection.
· Find a support group: Sometimes, it’s hard to explain and acknowledge your pain in front of your close friends and family. You need to find your people, understand your pain, and learn how to grieve openly with a group of people that have been in similar situations.
· Take your time: It takes time to become your regular self again; hence, don’t rush this process. Take your time to grieve but don’t a lot of time in isolation; otherwise, you’ll spiral into a whirlpool of sadness, leading towards depression. Be grateful for your life, and make use of it by taking small steps towards betterment.
· Engage in an activity- Try trying things that you wouldn’t have otherwise; make the most of your time on this Earth. Appreciate the beauty of the world around you that is still present. Experiment with new hobbies that you can even enjoy alone, such as gardening, yoga, walking, painting, etc.
· Talk to a counselor/therapist: A grief counselor can be immensely helpful in guiding you through your stages of grief. If you feel lost, abandoned, or aimless, visiting a therapist may help you find your way and make you deal with your intense emotions.
· Prepare yourself: If you are still in a state where small objects, memories, and memorandum could trigger and pull you into a dark phase again, it’s best to avoid those things. Keep personal belongings of your loved ones separate from your life and face them when you are ready. Plan ahead of important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries so that you are not in a compromising emotional state.
For local grief/bereavement support in the Waco-Temple-Killeen, TX area, please contact Gentle Transitions Hospice at: 254-598-1389, or visit our online Facebook support group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/485494771832402/