Navigating Grief: Tips That Matter
Life is full of beauty and, if we’re blessed, many meaningful moments. Unfortunately, it also includes loss. Navigating grief can feel like an aimless journey. However, with the supportive nature of the Flagstaff community and the helpful information we’re sharing below, it’s possible to regain a sense of purpose through this difficult time.
Embrace Your Grief On Your Own Time
As the first stage of grief, denial is often the initial obstacle we face when experiencing loss. No one can put a timeframe on how you deal with grief, and you may need time even to accept what has happened. This is the beginning of the grieving process, and these stages are actually easing you toward eventual acceptance and healing. When your mind and heart begin telling you it’s time to accept what has happened, listen to them.
Give Yourself Grace
People are often heard saying they feel bad for finding joy or laughing during times of grief. Grief can involve many emotions, and guilt can be one of them. But this is the time to give yourself grace. Allow yourself to experience any opportunity for joy that comes your way.
Rediscover Activities That Uplift You
It’s normal to lose your passion for things during grief, and it's understandable to take time away from your usual routine. But try not to linger in that space for too long, because you don’t want to miss out on the rest of what life offers. Even if it feels a bit strange, try reigniting your passion for the things you know you love. By reintroducing yourself to activities that bring you joy–even if it’s only for a short amount of time at first–you are allowing yourself to remember what life is like on the other side of grief. And sometimes our body has to go through the motions of returning to normalcy before our mind can catch up to it.
Lean on Professional Counseling
With so many aspects and feelings in the grieving process, it’s sometimes best to rely on the help of a professional grief counselor or therapist. Sometimes all you need is to just talk about the things you are feeling. They can also suggest additional methods to help you cope with your loss.
Flagstaff has experienced counselors, many of whom are available for in-person or online sessions. Two popular options are Rose Wall and Sandra Seby.
Connect With Support Groups
While grief has a way of making us feel alone, support groups remind us that we’re not. Connecting with others who understand what you’re experiencing can be incredibly cathartic. Grief support groups are each unique, but commonly discussed topics include fear, anger, loneliness, relationships, and hope.
You can connect with active, local-area support groups on Grief Share. There are also online support groups and resources:
- Grief Archives - Hospice Foundation of America
- Grief.com
- Virtual & Remote Grief Support Groups via Phone or Zoom | VITAS Healthcare
Let Family and Professional Caregivers Help With Your Grief
When you are dealing with grief, everyday activities and tasks can feel overwhelming. Asking family or friends for help is nothing to shy away from, even if it feels a bit awkward. Many people would very much like to help a person grieving but are unsure how. If someone offers to help make your food, tidy up around your house, or run errands for you, accept the help.
Additionally, you can use the assistance of a professional caregiver with Visiting Angels Flagstaff. Our compassionate caregivers are available to help with personal care, companion care, and respite care–helping you and your family in any way possible during this challenging time.
Send us a message online or contact our Flagstaff agency at 928-220-4100 to learn more about our at-home care services.