Coping with Grief
Top Tips on How to Deal With Grief
Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something you love or care deeply about.
Get Support The significance of support cannot be overestimated and is probably the most important factor in dealing with loss. There are a number of ways support can be accessed.
- Friends and family- Often with grief we want to shut ourselves away however this is the time to call on those closest to us. Tell those closest to you what you need. Often people want to help but don’t know how, and accept the assistance that is offered. A shoulder to cry on and a listening ear is a positive way to work through and release intense emotions.
- Hypnotherapy – Grief can be such an overwhelming experience that it becomes too difficult to cope with alone. Grief can feel very lonely even with a good support network of friends and family and in these cases an experienced therapist or specialist in grief counselling can often help you work through intense emotions and overcome any unresolved obstacles to your grieving.
- Other therapies – Therapies such as Massage can help in times of grief. Taking care of yourself is usually the last thing on the mind when experiencing grief however, it is one of the most important things you can do. Allowing your body to fully relax can be one way of letting go of built up emotion whether it be anger, sadness or stress. Often with Massage, certain emotions are released whether you are expecting it to or not.
- Another therapy that it useful in difficult times is Reiki. This is a healing therapy which also helps in the grieving process. People often say that they feel they have a lot more energy after a session of Reiki. Others say that they fall asleep during a treatment and feel very relaxed afterwards. The body can react in many different ways, it is usually depending on what emotional and sometimes physical state the patient is at the time.
Here at The New Devon Clinic we offer a range of treatments including the ones mentioned above.
If you are struggling with the death of a loved one and would like to take a step in the right direction please do not hesitate to give us a call.
- Faith- Ones faith can often be a source of comfort. Solace can come through any spiritual activity that is meaningful to the individual. This may include prayer, meditation, going to church or groups where there is a shared unity and support can be drawn.
- Support Groups- Sharing ones grief and sadness with others who are or who have experienced similar losses can be a great source of comfort there are often bereavement support groups in many areas. To find one in your area contact local hospitals, hospices, funeral homes, and counselling or holistic centres.
- Keeping a diary- This will help you to recognise and be aware of your feelings. You will be able to reflect from day to day on your state of mind as often throughout the grief process one day so easily leads into the next. Also the diary can include special memories and thoughts etc as they arise. This can be useful in the future to look back on and to treasure.
- Time- Grief can be quite a painful process which can uncover and bring to the surface a whole range of feeling and emotions. In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced what was to become known as the 5 stages of grief. These being: Denial, anger, Bargaining, Depression and finally acceptance and although not everybody goes through all the processes, or even any, the grieving process is an individual experience and one that should not be rushed. Just know that you’ll heal in time, there is no predictable timescale and however difficult it is it is normal. Time is crucial so allow yourself as much as you need.
If you feel that you need support please feel free to drop us a line or give us a call on 01803 500300