Grief Support

The grieving process is a time that cannot be measured on a calendar.  It’s a little like weeding a garden in the summer.  You do it over and over again until the season changes.  The following tips may help you through your transition:

• Give yourself permission to grieve —don’t deny the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of grief.  Crying encompasses all categories, and you may find that you cry a lot during this time.  Recognize that feelings of shock, anger, guilt, relief, depression, and acceptance are normal reactions experienced when a death occurs.
  
• Seek information about grief – maybe join a support group – get to know others who have been or are going through the same type of grief as you are experiencing.  Allow yourself to network with others who have “been there.”  Keep a journal – Experts in the field of grief say that writing in a journal on a daily basis helps the grieving person transition through the grieving process.
  
• Take care of yourself – A balanced diet, resting, and sleeping become a challenge during this transition.  Take a nap when you feel you can.  Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.  Treat yourself to a massage to relax your muscles and mind.  Remember that your body will need extra rest and balanced meals.
  
• Postpone major decisions for the first year.  Changes such as moving or remarrying may add to your stress.
  
• Focus on at least one planned activity each day.
  
• Keep in touch with your physician and make the doctor aware of your situation.
  
• Be patient with yourself.  Honor your feelings.
  
• Treasure your memories…they are gifts of the heart.