8 Tips on Dealing With Death in a Healthy Way
Dealing with death is an unwanted, but necessary action to take when you lose someone, as everyone will go through this in their lifetime. You often feel a multitude of emotions that can often be overwhelming. Dealing with death, particularly the death of someone you love, is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through. You will undergo a process of grieving and it can vary from person to person.
What Is Grief?
Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone. According to the American Psychological Association, it is the emotional distress you feel when someone you love is taken away. This feeling of loss is not a single entity – it is an assortment of all kinds of strenuous and unanticipated emotions. This is a normal reaction to loss – the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be.
Reactions to Grief
Because of the drastic change of losing a loved one, you will feel wide-ranging reactions to dealing with death. Common emotional grief reactions include:
- Shock and disbelief
- Sadness
- Anxiety and distress
People often think of grief as a strictly emotional activity, but grief can also manifest physical symptoms such as:
- Easy fatigability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of energy for daily activities
- Changes in weight
- Nauseous
Tips in Dealing With Death in a Healthy Way
Dealing with death is not a fixed process. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but here are some tips that can help you grief in a healthy way:
1. Acknowledge your emotions
Take time to mourn and accept your loss. Do not rush the process of grief and understand that it will be a unique process for each person. The feelings of grief and despair should be recognized instead of being denied. When you suppress dealing with death, it can potentially resurface and trigger you at any time.
2. Express your grief
Find ways to express your grief. You can talk about your loved one’s death, reminisce memories, or speak about your loved one. Talking about your emotions will be uncomfortable, but releasing all those negative feelings will give you a sense of positivity. Whatever way it is, having an outlet for your emotions will make your burden of grief feel lighter.
3. Accept support from friends and family
Talking with family and friends about the death of a loved one will help you understand and accept what happened. Throughout the grieving process, lean on people you can trust. Surrounding yourself with people who love you will make you realize that there is a lot more to live for rather than isolating yourself.
4. Learn to enjoy other activities
Consider trying out a new hobby or adding a new ritual to your usual routine. Some people try out gardening, painting, writing, cooking, and other creative methods to get their minds off of dealing with death.
5. Take care of yourself physically
A healthy body houses a healthy mind. Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically. It is quite difficult to keep a positive mindset when you are unhealthy and dealing with other physical problems. It will help to get enough sleep to give you the energy to deal with your other activities.
6. Go out and enjoy
When you are out and about, you will be able to give yourself a break emotionally. Being active and out there will give you time to think about something other than your loss. You have to reconnect with people who are still present around you.
7. Join a support group
In lieu of family and friends, you can share your sorrow with other people who are currently dealing with death too. You can share your grief with people who are undergoing the same losses who will understand what you are going through.
8. Talk to a counselor or therapist
If your grief remains unbearable despite trying the above tips, talking it out with a mental health professional may be of help. Experienced professionals will help you move through your intense emotions and overcome the hurdles of grieving.
Seeking Professional Help
Losing someone will always be painful, and it is natural to feel pain and grief. Most people will go through the grieving process at different rates. However, when grief takes over your life and affects other aspects, it may be time to talk to a professional.
MindShift Psychological Services provide expert, tailored counseling services for all their clients. Take the first step and call them today or check out any of their branches nearest you. Do not let yourself succumb to prolonged grief and depression and allow us to help you get through that phase.
Whatever treatment you decide on, you may quickly reach us through our website, or head on to the nearest Mindshift Psychological Services branch near you located near me in California near Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Corona. See also branches located in Southern California – Century City, Costa Mesa, and Brentwood. Take full control of your life and get help now to overcome your grief.
