Any loss can cause grief. Grief is the emotional suffering you feel when someone or something you love is taken away. We grieve the endings in our lives whether the loss involves a relationship break up, lost job, loss of a friendship or the most intense grief, the loss of a loved one or pet.
The stress of a major loss can quickly deplete your energy. Ways to take care of yourself during this difficult time:
- Acknowledge the pain. Avoiding feelings of sadness only prolongs the grieving process.
- Honor your loss. Memorialize your grief by organizing photos, writing down feelings or memorializing the beloved.
- Combat stress. Get enough sleep, eat right, exercise and avoid alcohol or drugs.
- Let go when you’re ready. Don’t worry about or let anyone tell you how you should feel. If you aren’t feeling better over time or your grief is getting worse, consider seeking help.
“The sorrow which has no vent in tears may make other organs weep.” Henry Maudsley