Carrying Grief After Losing a Loved One

Have you recently lost a spouse, partner, child, parent, sibling, extended family member, friend, or pet? Grief after losing a loved one (also known as “bereavement”) can be one of the hardest experiences to carry as human beings. To help you get through this difficult time, I've compiled a few things to consider while you make sense of your grieving process:

• Talk to someone. Whether it be a friend, family member, therapist, or support group, being able to share your feelings with someone can make a difference. If the person you’re speaking with also knew your loved one, you can reminisce on special memories and talk about the qualities you loved most about them. Plus, sharing how you’re feeling and any challenges that you’ve been facing since their death can help you feel less alone, too.
• Prioritize self-care. When you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself, but neglecting self-care can end up taking even more of a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Try to eat regular meals, exercise, shower, and rest.
• Withhold judging yourself. Grief looks different for everyone; no two grieving processes are the same. As the days turn into months, you might see that others around you are moving on with their lives and yet your experience of grief feels just as intense as the early days following the loss. It's not uncommon to wonder if something is "wrong" with you. However, rather than judging your self, it's important to remember that your grieving process is unique and individual to YOU and the relationship you had with your loved one.

Are you Navigating the Loss of a Loved One?

Bereavement after the loss of a friend or family member can be incredibly difficult, but you’re not alone. I specialize in grief and loss counselling, and I’d love the opportunity to help you navigate through your grief. Contact me today to schedule a therapy session.