Tips For Navigating Grief
Life is beautiful, yet an unfortunate part of life is witnessing the passing of our loved ones. No one wants to experience loss, but it’s an inevitable part of life. The good news is that there are ways to navigate this challenging time.
Acknowledge Your Grief
Denial is one of the stages of grief. You may want to refuse to accept what has happened during this time. You may push through your days believing everything is okay and nothing has changed. While this is a normal part of grieving, and it’s a valid part of your experience, it is essential to accept your grief and loss to heal.
Find Activities That Bring You Joy
When you’re dealing with grief, you might find yourself starting to disconnect from things you love, like hobbies. It’s okay to take time away from certain things at the start of your grief, but you don’t want to dismiss all of the joy in your life.
Encourage yourself to do something you love, even if it’s small. You can order food from your favorite restaurant, start a new book, watch a movie, or go for a walk. You don’t have to do it for long or commit to it every day, but the more you incorporate small joys into your life, the more you see life on the other side of grief.
Talk To A Professional
You may experience many emotions, feelings, and thoughts when you lose someone. Sometimes, it helps to talk about your experience with a licensed professional to process everything you’re going through. Engaging with a licensed professional can also introduce you to other ways to cope with your grief.
Some popular grief therapists and licensed counselors in Prescott include Janet Elizabeth Shannon and Josephine Ellsworth. Both these counselors offer in-person and virtual therapy sessions.
Find A Support Group
It’s common to feel alone in your grief, especially if you were very close to the person you lost. Sometimes, connecting with others who understand your situation can make you feel less alone. A great way to do this is through a grief support group.
Every group is different, but some common themes you’ll likely discuss include loneliness, fear, anger, regrets, relationships, and hope. Grief support groups are not only a place to discuss and share your experiences, but you can also learn actionable steps to continue living a quality life.
You can find support groups near you through Grief Share.
Get Help With Daily Activities
It can be challenging to take care of yourself when you’re grieving. It’s okay to reach out for help with basic activities like cleaning or getting groceries. It may feel uncomfortable to ask loved ones for help, but you’ll likely be surprised by how willing people are to be there for you.
Another option for assistance with daily activities is working with a Visiting Angels caregiver. Our compassionate team can help with basic care needs like light housekeeping and cooking. They can also assist with more intimate tasks like personal grooming, medication reminders, and bathroom assistance.
Our Prescott office works with clients throughout Prescott and the Verde Valley. Contact our office to learn more about our at-home care services for seniors.