How To Cope With Loss

Loss is a part of life. Unfortunately, it is something that we cannot avoid as human beings. We may lose people we love, we may lose friendships, and we may lose a job or two. However, life doesn’t stop after a loss. There are always new people to meet and new friendships to make. Opportunities arise, and there are new doors that open. Experiencing loss gives us strength and compassion for others experiencing loss. We can see it as a journey that provides us with a more profound love for the life we have.

Grief and loss are difficult emotions to deal with. When we lose someone, it may feel as though the world has come to a complete halt. Simple tasks become huge to-dos. It may be impossible to get out of bed or eat a meal. The emotions of grief and loss are heavy, and the world can feel like a dark place in that moment. However, there is a brighter place ahead, and you will get there. Healing takes time and patience.

Accept the Loss

Acknowledging the loss of a loved one is often the most challenging part. You do not want to believe that they are gone, and you don’t want to imagine a world without them. Accepting the loss means coming to terms with the reality and weight of what the loss means to you. It is essential to feel the emotions that come with the loss so that you don’t stuff them down. Stuffing emotions will only delay the feeling longer, and harboring those emotions can impact your daily life. It is best to accept the loss and grieve for the time that you need.

Everyone heals differently. Be open with your work and with the people around you. Communicate what has happened and let them know that you need time. This is your time to heal, and you can be a little selfish. Most people will understand, as most people have experienced a loss in their life.

Consider Seeing a Counselor

If you are experiencing loss, seeing a counselor is a great option. Counselors are trained professionals who can guide you through the healing process with techniques and interventions they have practiced many times. When you are experiencing grief and loss, sometimes it is helpful to have another human in the room with you who can fully understand what you are going through. Knowing that you are not alone in your pain can be a weight off of your shoulders.

Get Creative

After losing someone, it may be hard to get creative. However, creating something in memory of your loved one can be highly therapeutic. There are several different websites where you can make picture books of your loved one. You can add fun stickers or captions under the pictures.

You might also consider making a scrapbook with pictures and mementos of your loved one. Getting creative and exploring old memories can be a great way of dealing with grief. Your loved one may be gone, but look at the incredible life they lived. You may even try painting, coloring, or making a collage that you can hang in your room. Expressing loss with the use of art is more beneficial than you might think. It helps us to externalize our emotions instead of keeping them trapped inside.

Talk it Out With Others

Talking about your loved one with others can bring light to the life that they lived. You are celebrating their legacy and telling others about it. If you have a family member that is also experiencing the same loss, talk to them about it. Recount the memories of your loved one together, and recollect on the positives. Maybe there are goofy memories that your family member didn’t know about. Share them! It is okay to laugh and cry with one another and feel the weight of the loss together.

Be Aware of How You Cope

It is crucial to be aware of how you cope with loss. Do you tend to isolate or sleep all day? Perhaps you turn to food? Alcohol or other substances? Many people cope with loss by turning to unhealthy options. However, if you turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, it is essential to note this. If you are finding yourself struggling with numbing your feelings with excessive sleep, food, alcohol, or other substances, it may be time to reach out for help. The unhealthy ways of coping could quickly turn to addiction or serious mental health concerns. Be vigilant and monitor how you cope to stay healthy and heal effectively.

Coping with a loss is one of the hardest things to experience. During this challenging time, it is essential to maintain healthy coping techniques. You can start by accepting and acknowledging the loss. You might consider seeing a counselor for further support, getting creative by making a picture book with memories of your loved one, or talking it out with another person. If you find yourself struggling with unhealthy coping techniques, SokyaHealth is here to help you. We provide a variety of services for clients who are seeking healing and recovery. We understand that the most challenging part is reaching out, and when you are dealing with grief, it can be even harder.  Your healing is our highest priority, and our team will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your individual situation. Our services are available in the Southern California, Oregon, and Alaska regions. To schedule a free consultation, call SokyaHealth today at 800-930-0803.