Bereavement: How to Grieve Loss In A Healthy Way

Tulsa Hospice Care

When someone we love dies, our world is turned upside down. Grief is the natural process we go through when we lose someone we care about. Unfortunately, there are many myths about grief and how it should be handled.

In this blog post, we will explore the grieving process and offer tips for dealing with loss in a healthy way. If you have recently lost a loved one, please know that you are not alone. Grieving is a difficult process, but there is hope on the other side.

Understanding the Grief Process

As you may already know, the process of grief is not linear. It does not have a beginning, middle, and end like most things in our lives. Grief is unique to each individual and can be experienced in many different ways.

There are, however, some common stages of grief that most people experience. These include:

Shock and Denial

This is often the first stage of grief. We may feel numb and unable to believe that our loved one is gone. This is a defense mechanism our mind uses to protect us from the pain of loss.

Pain and Guilt

In this stage, the reality of our loss sinks in and we begin to feel pain and guilt. We may blame ourselves for what happened or question our faith.

Anger and Bargaining

We may become angry with our loved one for leaving us, or with God for taking them away. We may try to bargain with God, asking for our loved one back in exchange for our good behavior.

Depression and Loneliness

As we begin to accept the reality of our loss, we may feel overwhelmed by sadness and loneliness. This is a normal part of the grieving process.

The Upward Turn

As we start to come out of the fog of grief, we may find ourselves feeling more hopeful and positive again. We may even laugh and enjoy life once more.

Reconstruction and Working Through

In this stage, we begin to rebuild our lives without our loved one. We focus on the positive memories we have of them and healthily work through our grief.

Acceptance and Hope

The final stage of grief is acceptance. We may never forget our loved one, but we can move on with our lives. We can find hope for the future and enjoy the good moments again.

Tips for Dealing with Loss in a Healthy Way

Now that we understand the grieving process, let’s take a look at some tips for dealing with loss in a healthy way:

Acknowledge Your Pain

It is okay to feel sad, angry, and scared after a loss. Don’t try to bottle up your emotions. Find a trusted friend or family member to talk to about how you’re feeling.

Take Care of Yourself

Grieving can be exhausting both emotionally and physically. Make sure to get plenty of rest, eat healthy meals, and exercise regularly.

Lean On Your Support System

Whether it’s your family, friends, or a support group for grieving individuals, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. These people can offer valuable support and understanding during this difficult time.

Talk About Your Loved One

Keeping your loved one’s memory alive can be therapeutic. Share stories and photos with others to keep their memory alive.

Do What Feels Right For You

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Do what feels right for you, even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.

Involve Yourself In Community Activities

Getting involved in your community can help you feel connected to something larger than yourself. Volunteer for a local organization or join a club or religious group.

Join a Bible Study or Church Small Group

Consider joining a Bible study or church small group. These groups can offer support and guidance during your time of grief.

Seek Professional Help If Needed

If you find yourself struggling to cope with your loss, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can help you healthily work through your emotions.

Grieving Loss While Your Loved One is In Hospice Care

If your loved one is in hospice care, you may find yourself grieving their loss before they have passed away. This is called anticipatory grief. It is normal to feel a sense of sadness and loss when someone you love is dying.

There are a few things you can do to help cope with anticipatory grief:

  • Talk to your loved one about their wishes for end-of-life care. This can help you feel more prepared for their death.
  • Stay involved in their care. You can still visit them, spend time with them, and talk to them about your memories together.
  • Prepare for the practical aspects of their death, such as funeral arrangements. This can help make the process easier when the time comes.
  • Talk to a therapist or grief counselor. They can offer support and coping strategies for dealing with your anticipatory grief.
  • Strive to live in the present moment. Enjoy the time you have left with your loved one. Make new memories, relive old memories, and make a point to laugh together.

No matter what stage of grief you are in, know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time.

Reach out to your support system for help when you need it. And if you ever feel like you’re struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

In Conclusion

Bereavement is a difficult process, but there is hope on the other side. By understanding the grief process and following these tips, you can begin to heal your broken heart. Remember that you are not alone in this. There are people who care about you and want to help you through this tough time. 

Our team is always available to help connect you with resources and support during this difficult season. Please reach out if you are walking through a season of bereavement and grief!

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