Grief and Loss

Grief is a normal response to loss during or after a disaster or other traumatic event. Grief can happen in response to loss of life, as well as to drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that usually bring us comfort and a feeling of stability. Grief is something that takes time to work through. While everyone finds their own way to grieve it’s important to have the support of friends and family or someone else, and to talk about your loss when you need to.

The length of the grief process is different for everyone. There is no predictable schedule for grief. Although it can be quite painful at times, the grief process should not be rushed. It is important to be patient with yourself as you experience your unique reactions to the loss.

What you can do to help yourself?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling, or consider joining a support group. Take care of your physical health. Grieving can be exhausting, so it’s important to exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep to stay healthy and energized. Manage stress – lighten your load by asking friends, family members or work colleagues to help you with some chores or commitments. Give yourself time. Accept your feelings and know that grieving is a process. Spend time with friends and family. Don’t isolate yourself. Do things you enjoy, even if you don’t really feel like doing them. Take care of yourself.

How to help a person who is experiencing grief and loss?

Many people do not know what to say or do when trying to comfort someone who is grieving. Well-meaning friends may avoid discussing the subject due to their own discomfort with grief or their fear of making the person feel bad. As a result, people who are grieving often feel more isolated or lonely in their grief. However, often it is the simple offer of love and support that is the most important. Ask about their feelings. Each day can be different for someone who is grieving; take the time to be a good listener and understand what they are going through. Talk about everyday life too. Their loss and grief does not have to be the focus of all your conversations. Ask them how you can help. A few home cooked meals, doing the shopping, or perhaps offering to go walking or do something enjoyable with them can all help someone through their grief. Encourage them to seek professional support if their grief does not seem to be easing over time.