Coping with a loss is one of the most challenging things an individual can go through. There are many different types of loss. It can be caused by death, separation, job loss, moving, or even a sudden illness such as cancer.
Many people don’t know how to deal with grief. People who don’t allow themselves to grieve may find unhealthy ways to cope, such as
- Drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring their feelings
- Isolation
- Pretending
- Disassociation
- Or get stuck in denial
When you’re feeling the pain, it’s hard to choose to go through the process, and it is much easier to turn to what is easiest. Dealing with grief is complicated and allowing yourself to go through the emotions is painful. There are times people get stuck in grief and can’t get through it. When this happens, it can have a considerable impact on an individual’s physical and mental health.
This is especially true when the loss is due to medical negligence or something similar because it could have possibly been prevented. For example, there have been many reports of people prescribed valsartan, a popular drug for heart issues. This particular drug was contaminated during the manufacturing process, causing cancer. Because of this, many are seeking compensation on behalf of their loved ones.
Remember, no matter what is causing your grief, there are healthy ways you can cope.
What to Expect While Grieving
There is no question that dealing with grief takes work. While going through this process, you will go through a lot of different feelings and emotions. What to expect while dealing with grief is going to vary by individuals. There are similar feelings people go through. Some of the stages of grief you may go through are:
1. Denial
This is when individuals want to believe the loss did not occur. This is totally normal. During this stage, many people will isolate themselves to avoid reminders of their loss.
2. Anger
It may sound odd to be angry at someone who passed, but it is normal. Anger is a way to cover your pain. You may become angry with other people, including the person who passed away. The anger may also show up in different ways, such as bitterness, resentment, or fury.
3. Bargaining
Once the anger subsides, people start feeling helpless and will often try to find ways to find something to control. Frequently, people will begin believing if they did something different, they could have changed the outcome. While logically, you know this is not true, it is something you may experience.
4. Depression
This is when you have accepted what happened and are now going through the pain. This is going to be extremely difficult. It is important not to isolate yourself at this time and find individuals you can talk to. During this stage, many people can experience complicated grief.
5. Acceptance
This happens once you have accepted the loss. This does not mean you’re done grieving or moved on. It means that you know you’ll have good and bad days, but you’re now starting to live in the present moment. Maybe if you took time off school or work, you’re now going back.
How To Deal With Grief
1. Avoid Isolating Yourself
While it is customary to isolate yourself during the beginning stages of guilt, you don’t want to continue doing so. When you are going through this, it is crucial to help and support one another. You are not alone in your loss. You have friends and family that are going through it with you. You all can support each other.
2. Feel Your Feelings
You’re going to want to suppress and ignore your feelings because it’s hard to face loss. Realize it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. Anger, fear, pain is totally normal, and you need to allow yourself to accept them and feel them. If you journal, this is a great time to write about what you’re experiencing.
3. You Will Experience Sudden Emotions
You may be in the middle of eating at a restaurant and suddenly start crying. This is normal and expected. You may be triggered anywhere at any time. It is essential to realize that if it happens so frequently it negatively impacts your life, you need to reach out to someone for help.
4. Take Care Of Yourself
At times, just getting out of bed may become a struggle but make yourself do it. You need to take care of yourself emotionally. You also need to take care of yourself physically too. Get out of bed in the morning, shower, and eat something healthy, even if you don’t feel like it. This will help you navigate the process and move forward.
Conclusion
When you suffer a loss, it may seem like you’ll never get through the grieving process. While it will take time and a lot of work, you can learn to heal. Just remember that when navigating this process, take things slow and allow yourself time to grieve. Be kind to yourself and lean on your friends and family.
A fervent champion for holistic well-being, graces this community with her expertise in health and fitness. With a solid educational foundation in physical fitness and a commitment to empowering others, Sara distills her extensive knowledge and experience into actionable insights. Her writing, firmly grounded in evidence-based practices, aims to demystify health complexities and inspire readers to cultivate sustainable habits for a balanced life. As a certified fitness trainer, Sara offers a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Join Sara on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
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