Navigating The Grieving Process: How To Protect Your Mental Health

Life is full of ups and downs. One of the most challenging and distressing obstacles we face is carrying on when we experience loss. Grief can be incredibly painful, and it can take a long time to reach a point when you start to notice glimpses of recovery. If you’re navigating the grieving process, here are some tips to help you protect your mental health and wellbeing.

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Allow yourself to be emotional

Nobody knows how they will react to losing somebody close to them. If you’re coming to terms with losing a partner, a parent, a friend or a family member, it’s crucial to allow yourself to experience and express emotions. If you feel the urge to cry or shout, go with it. If you can’t talk, and you want to be quiet and spend time alone, don’t pressure yourself into going out or making calls before you’re ready. Let your natural responses and reactions come out, don’t suppress them. It’s important to understand that there is no manual for bereavement and there is no right or wrong way to deal with loss. People go about dealing with this situation in different ways, so be kind to yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to behave in a certain way. 

Stay connected with your loved one

When you first lose somebody, it can be very difficult to come to terms with the fact that they have gone and you won’t see them again. Many people talk about waiting for a friend or relative to walk through the door and hearing their voice. It will take time for these feelings and experiences to subside, and it’s natural to go through these processes, especially if you’ve lost somebody you spent a long time with. It can be difficult to think about that person at the beginning, but connecting with them and keeping their memory alive can be reassuring and comforting. When you’re ready, look through photographs, watch video clips and talk to that person if you want to. For some people, spending time at the cemetery or burial ground can help them to feel close to the person they’ve lost. Choosing cemetery grave marker stones that represent your loved one and laying flowers enables you pay tribute, to keep memories alive and to feel like you’re never too far away. 

Seek help

We all go through tough times, and losing a loved one is one of the most difficult challenges we encounter. If you are dealing with loss, you don’t have to do it on your own. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family members, to seek advice from charities or to join groups that can provide support and guidance, or to see a therapist. Sometimes, being able to talk, cry and open up can help you manage your emotions and get through the pain grief causes. 

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Losing friends and family members has a profound impact. If you’re in the process of trying to navigate your way through the grieving process, it’s essential to look after yourself and to understand that there is help and support available.