Grief and Loss

Losing a loved one is devastating.  It takes time for the heart to heal and there is no quick way to go through grief.  Grief is a process...a journey.  Allow your emotions to take you where you need to go.  Your body, mind, and spirit need to release the pain associated with loss.  Don't run from the emotions that you feel.  Grief is painful.  I know this firsthand after losing my father.  Take it one day at a time.  Time does heal the pain.  Grief is unpredictable.  Pray each day that God shows you the way and gives you the strength, encouragement, and peace to move forward.

Below are some things you can do that can help you along your journey.

God Bless you,

Dr. Nina

About Grief & Bereavement by Elisabeth Kubler - Ross

Grief is a natural process to death and dying. It is not pathological in nature, but rather, is a necessary response to helping heal from the overwhelming sense of loss when a loved one dies. 
 
It is important to understand grief as part of the human experience.  If you are grieving, some things you can do to help yourself include:

Attending support groups in your area
Many communities have secular and faith based support groups focused on spousal, parental, and child death.

Therapy with a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional
Therapy can be helpful in many ways especially when combined with a support group.

Journal
Writing is a catharsis for many!

Eating well
It is important to eat healthy foods and take supplements.

Exercise
Take walks or work out: jog, aerobics or a spring-cleaning week will do as well. Physical exertion is a great stress reliever and may afford you some time alone to gather your thoughts in the process.

Get enough rest
Give yourself plenty of time to rest. Grief drains your emotional battery and you will need to recharge more often. If you simply don't want to get out of bed in those early stages of grief, then don't!

Reading and learning about death-related grief responses
Knowledge helps people regain a sense of control over their experiences and environment and helps reduce feelings of vulnerability.

Allow emotions
Tears can be healing.

Avoid major changes in residence, jobs, or marital status
Major changes can be too burdensome during grief.  Wait for about one year after the death of a loved one before making any major changes.