While none of us want to imagine someone we care about reaching the end of their lives it’s an unfortunate reality that we will all have to manage at some point. It can be an overwhelming experience, and the feelings that you have in the weeks and months to come may be unfamiliar to you. Even if you do have experience with grief, that doesn’t make it any easier or less painful to lose someone that you love. If you’ve recently had a friend or family member pass away, read on to learn about some healthy ways you can mourn the loss.
What are some healthy ways to mourn a loss?
Finding ways to honor your loved one is always a compassionate way to proceed after a loss. For example, if your friend or family member requested cremation services, you can find a beautiful and meaningful place to spread some of their ashes if that was something they wanted. If you plan to keep the ashes, you can look for a beautiful urn or other way to store them and display them in a place where you and anyone else inside your home can pay their respects. When opting for cremation, make sure you look for a business with experience and a history of good reviews from customers who they assisted in their time of need.
When you suffer a loss, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions including sadness, anger, and frustration. Though many of us try to suppress our emotions, it isn’t healthy to do so, especially after a significant loss. Spend time with friends and family who will support you. Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Ultimately, suppressing your feelings can actually keep you stuck in the grieving process and prevent you from moving forward. If you’re struggling, you may want to research the benefits of therapy.
There are a lot of reasons why you should consider working with a therapist in the aftermath of a loss. They can provide support and guidance as you process your feelings, as well as helping you develop coping mechanisms that work for you. There are even mental health professionals who specialize in working with clients that are dealing with grief or loss, which may be something to look for when you looking for a therapist. If you decide to seek therapeutic treatment, resources like NYC Therapy can help you connect with a qualified psychotherapist who can assist you as you progress through the stages of grief.
What else can you do to cope with grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can be very hard to cope with. There are many healthy ways to process grief, and it is necessary to find what works best for you. Many people find comfort in writing down their thoughts and feelings or engaging with some type of creative outlet. Activities like writing and painting can provide a sense of purpose and distraction from overwhelming negative emotions. Engaging in creative activities can also allow people channel their feelings into something positive and show others what that person meant to you through the art that you make.
Traveling is another way that many people process grief. When you’re on a trip, you’re surrounded by new experiences and new people. This can take your mind off your loss and help you start to feel better. Traveling can also be a great way to honor your loved one. If they loved to travel, you can go to some of the same destinations they did. Seeing these places can make you feel closer to them and can be a reminder of the good times you shared together.
There’s no way to know exactly how grief will affect you, and there isn’t a timeline for moving on from a loss. In some ways, you may never fully move on, but you’ll have to learn how to cope in way that your grief doesn’t impact your ability to continue living your life. Taking the time to honor your loved one can be beneficial or channeling your feelings into an art project that is inspired by your friend or family member. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unable to function, you should consider seeking professional guidance. Therapy has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for people in many situations, including in the aftermath of a significant loss. The important thing is that you find healthy and effective ways to care for yourself during this difficult time.
