The Aftermath of Loss😢

Death and Loss are certainties in life.

We all will experience leaving this earth one day. And unexpectedly, the Covid-19 pandemic brought death forward ,and placed it on top of the world's already gigantic plate of problems.

While the news keeps count, families feel the guilt, pain and sacrifice, when loved ones pass away. 

Let's not forget, that outside the pandemic, people are also passing of old age, accidents, health issues, crime, you name it. However, no matter the cause, the grief is deep like the ocean.

If you've experienced the lost of a loved one or loved ones, I want to extend my condolences and send prayers for healing and strength. I also want to share my experience with you, because, I know how it feels...

I experienced lost at a very young age. I was a Senior in high school, 17 years old and reeling from the sudden death of my Father. At only 40 years of age, he had so much more living and healing to do, but who am I to question, timing, right? It was written.

Now, almost 22 years later, I think of him still. Some memories are fuzzy, but they are still memories, and I am grateful to still have them.

But enough about me, let's talk about coping, because you never truly heal from loss, you learn to cope.

Let's make that distinction.

Grieving individuals may find it helpful to use some of the following strategies to help them process and come to terms with loss:

Talk about the death of your loved one with friends or colleagues in order to help you understand what happened and remember your friend or family member. Avoidance can lead to isolation and will disrupt the healing process with your support systems.

Accept your feelings. You may experience a wide range of emotions from sadness, anger or even exhaustion. All of these feelings are normal and it’s important to recognize when you are feeling this way. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed by these emotions, it may be helpful to talk with a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional who can help you cope with your feelings and find ways to get back on track.

Take care of yourself and your family. Eating healthy foods, engaging in self-care , exercising and getting plenty of sleep can help your physical and emotional health. The grieving process can take a toll on one’s body. 

Make sure you check in with your loved ones and that they are taking the necessary healthy steps to maintain their health as well.

Reach out and help others dealing with the loss. Spending time with other loved ones of the deceased, can help everyone cope. Whether it’s sharing stories or listening to your loved one’s favorite music, these small efforts can make a big difference to some. Helping others has the added benefit of making you feel better as well.

Remember and celebrate the lives of your loved ones. Anniversaries of a lost loved one can be a difficult time for friends and family, but it can also be a time for remembrance and honoring them. It may be that you decide to collect donations to a favorite charity of the deceased, passing on a family name to a baby or planting a garden in memory. What you choose is up to you, as long as it allows you to honor that unique relationship in a way that feels right to you.

How Psychologists can help:

Psychologists are trained to help people better handle the fear, guilt or anxiety that can be associated with the death of a loved one. If you need help dealing with your grief or managing a loss, consult with a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional. Psychologists can help people build their resilience and develop strategies to get through their sadness. Practicing psychologists use a variety of evidence-based treatments — most commonly psychotherapy — to help people improve their lives. Psychologists, who have doctoral degrees, receive one of the highest levels of education of any health care professional.

I hope that this advice, courtesy of the APA (American Psychological Association) is helpful. I also want to add Prayer to this list. There is much strength in Prayer.

To end this blog..my closing advice is; in time it will get easier to cope. Just give yourself time and grace.

Be well.🤎

Grace