From the book ‘The Grief Recovery Handbook’, 20th Anniversary expanded edition, page. 13, the common responses to grief are:
- Reduced concentration
- A sense of numbness – can be physical, emotional or both, alternately.
- Disrupted sleep patterns – being unable to sleep or sleeping too much, or both.
- Changed eating habits – no appetite or eating non-stop, or both, alternately.
- Roller coaster of emotional energy – going up and down and in and out of feelings.
I like the analogy of the ebb and flow of the ocean tide: one minute you’re functioning well and the next minute you’re overcome with tears. It can make you feel crazy.
Each of these symptoms are normal responses to loss. Their duration is unique to the individual. The key is to allow, not resist, your feelings. Talking about them with someone you trust, journaling, taking it to prayer, even talking to the deceased person, expressing what was left unsaid, either out loud or in a letter: each of these can help you move through grief.
There is no timeline with grief. And it is helpful to remember to take care of yourself always, but especially during this time.
What do you enjoy doing? What helps you relax? What puts a smile on your face, or makes you giggle like a child?
When was the last time you did these things?
Working with a coach during this time can also be helpful. To have a supportive, caring accountability partner who can help you navigate through grief can aid in moving through grief a bit faster and help avoid getting lost or stuck in it. I am here for support if you need it.
How do you take care of yourself during times of loss?
What support do you need right now?
When was the last time you did something fun, just for yourself?
Until next time, I encourage you to reach out for the support you need, make time for yourself, do something fun and to continue to Shine Your Light!