Four Ways to Cope With Grief

The human experience is complicated, and emotions can take on many different forms. Grief is often associated with the death of a loved one or personal loss, but we can also experience grief when witnessing global issues that feel out of our control. Widespread discord can cause a deep sense of mourning.

What Is Grief?

Grief is the human reaction to loss. We all experience it in our own way—some of us may feel sad and scared, while others may become angry or numb. Beyond mourning the death of a loved one, global crises can also impact us, encompassing multiple losses at the same time (such as the feeling of not being able to make change). Common signs of grief include:

• Shock or denial
• Moodiness or anger
• Guilt or shame
• Sadness and emptiness
• Withdrawal from others
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Excess fatigue
• Difficulty taking care of oneself

Explore services for grief

How to Navigate Grief

Recognize Your Pain

• Let yourself feel and notice the thoughts that arise.
• Name your emotions and try expressing them through journaling, crafting, movement, or conversation

Minimize Exposure

• Reduce the amount of time you spend engaging with media that you find activating or distressing.
• Try checking the news just once a day ?

Mindfulness

• Take the days one at a time and move through your day mindfully
• When needed, meditation, physical activity, and breathing exercises can help shift your mind back to the present.

Work Together

• It can be challenging to cope with hurt on our own. Remember that when the injury is large scale, the healing must be also.
• Look for a friend or community that can be a safe space to explore and process your experiences. ?

If you find that grief & overwhelm prevents you from working, studying, or caring for yourself and your loved ones, we advise seeking professional guidance. A therapist can provide a space to explore your pain and find a healthy route to channel it. If you’re experiencing grief, we’re here for you. ?

Helpful Resources

Book: Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief | Claire Bidwell Smith

Podcasts:

Terrible, Thanks for Asking

It's Going To Be OK?

To Your Mental Well-being,

Dr.?Nathilee?Caldeira, PhD

Founder of Let's Talk, Licensed Clinical Psychologist