Hello Chambers County,
In preparation for this piece, I thought about what would be most relevant during this holiday season and the subject of grief and loss frequently crossed my mind.
What is grief? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, “ grief is a normal response to a loss during or after a disaster or other traumatic event. Grief can happen in response to the loss of life, as well as drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that usually bring us comfort and a feeling of stability.”
For instance, many experienced physical losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, some may have experienced job loss or termination, many have lost limbs to an operation or military service and others are coping with the loss of a spouse due to divorce. Plainly speaking, grief originates from various lived experiences and no one is spared the feelings that come with loss and subsequent grief. Grief is universal, and there is no wrong way to process grief and all types of losses are significant.
Here are some ways to cope with feelings of grief:
Acknowledge your losses and express your feelings. Utilize listening to music or other creative practices such as writing, or cooking.
Consider developing new rituals in your daily routine to stay connected with your loved ones to replace those that have been lost. This may look like taking a new route to work or visiting unknown destinations.
If you are worried about future losses, try to stay in the present and focus on aspects of your life that you have control over right now. Attempt to engage in grounding activities such as gardening, yoga or, other forms of exercise.
Loss hurts, and if you are experiencing grief during this holiday time it can magnify your feelings. Please give yourselves grace, and be kind to yourself.
Happy Holidays,
Catherine
Sources for this article:
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/grief-loss/index.html
