At Kenna and Turner, we are fully aware of grief and its impacts. We’re understand the importance of the grieving process and we are here to be a supporting network whilst you go through this difficult time. Here we have collated information of what grief is, the different stages, and tips to help you heal.
Losing someone is a challenging process to comprehend. Both grief and loss are personal and unique experiences, and their definitions do not do them justice.
Although grief is an expected response to loss, the exact response cannot be predicted. We each react differently to loss. The grieving process and its stages can impact how we grieve and deal with our emotions. Even our personalities and ways of thinking can affect how we heal from grief and loss.
Whilst there isn’t a guide on how to fully deal with grief or a timeline in that matter, there are some coping techniques that can help along the way.
Grief is the emotional response to loss. It reflects anger, sadness, frustration, confusion, disappointment, and other feelings that arise by losing someone.
When we speak of loss, we almost always think about bereavement. Symptoms of grief can be challenging to deal with, as they can range from physical to psychological signs.
The most common include:
Yet again, both grief and loss are so personal and unpredictable that symptoms will always differ.
There are different types of grief, which can impact the strength of such feelings. In general, grief is seen as a rollercoaster of emotions, without an end in sight. By helping yourself heal you can begin to manage the after effects of loosing someone.
Grief will materialise differently for everyone. However, there is a grieving process with five key stages, which most people will experience.
Denial: Denying the reality of loss. This feeling is used as protective armour to protect one’s emotions and mental state.
Anger: Feelings of anger and unfairness are common through loss. Blaming others is usually the case at this stage.
Bargaining: Looking for ways to turn back time and change the loss that you’re experiencing. Although unrealistic, this again is a way to protect one’s emotions from the reality of loss.
Depression: Feeling depressed is expected through the grieving process. Believing that your purpose has gone, feeling withdrawn from life, and feeling hopeless are common symptoms of grief and loss.
Acceptance: Acceptance of grief is the last stage, where reality sets in. Coming to terms with loss is key here. However, there’s no expected timeframe or a set of realisations for this.
There’s no right or wrong way to deal with grief. There’s no expected timeline or end date. There’s no diagnosis. Below are some ways of helping yourself heal from grief and loss which you can incorporate into your daily life as you work through this difficult time.
The loss of a parent, of a child, of a friend, of a partner, or of a family member, are all losses that can invoke feelings of grief. Helping yourself heal from grief and loss will be very important, impacting how you come out the other side of the process.
Learning how to cope, open up, rely on others, and accept will be the end goal. In your own time and in your way, healing will follow.
The reality of grief is unpredictable and your way of dealing with it will differ from the next person. This will help to reduce the pressure that usually follows the grieving process.
Your feelings matter. It may be helpful if you openly talk about your grief when the time’s right, as this will help digest and accept the situation.
The grieving process can bring up many different emotions. Preparing yourself, as best you can, is essential. You’re going to feel angry, hopeless, frustrated, sad, regretful, perhaps, out of control. By preparing some coping strategies, you’ll be ready to work through your emotions.
Both grief and loss can be an exhausting experience. This is the time to think about your health and wellbeing. Listen to your body and mind, if you need to cry, for example, then do so, but remember when you’re hungry to eat. Being able to notice your behaviours will help you heal in the long term.
Both personal and professional support will be waiting for you throughout the grieving process. When you feel ready, accepting support will be helpful. Whether that’s a listening ear or a counselling session, processing your emotions and opening up will become easier as the process develops. It is crucial to be in touch with your feelings, which will be possible through professional support.
Coping strategies will be essential to get through the initial stages of grief and loss. Helping yourself heal will be by finding a healthy and proactive ways of coping, whether that’s exercise, meditation, self-care, self-development or helping others. A positive distraction will benefit you day-to-day.
It’s important to remember those you’ve lost. This is also the case when it comes to different types of loss, such as a breakup. Although hurt and sadness may be attached, it’s important to treasure the memories and love that have occurred for your mental health. Remembering is extremely helpful through bereavement, primarily through the later stages of grief.
The time will come where you begin to accept your loss. You must allow yourself to move on. You’ll never forget and/or honour. Yet to heal from grief and loss will mean to rebuild. Remember, taking care of yourself as you grieve is the number one priority.
At Kenna and Turner we are here to support you and those around you.