Ways to Cope With Grief
“Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” - Vicki Harrison
End of life is inevitable for all human beings. We at Aspen Care must make every client-facing end of life feel as comfortable and as loved as possible. Our staff are equipped to handle these situations and do the best they can with every patient and family. In the case of a loss, we ensure our client’s family is well-equipped with the tools, resources, and support they need when facing end-of-life. This blog post is written to provide suggestions on how to cope with grief and the loss of a loved one. It is never easy, and we respect how difficult it can be. Typically, grief has various stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are natural, and there isn’t one magical tool to help us forget or make our grief disappear. As the quote states, grief is like the ocean, it comes and it goes, all we can do is learn to swim.
Here are some suggested ways to help you cope with grief:
1.Join in Ritual Services
It is never easy facing the loss of a loved one. What has proven to be helpful is to attend memorial services or celebrations of life rituals. It is important to surround yourself with others who loved the one you’ve lost. Being in the comfort of others will help you start the grieving process, and remind you of the positive.
2. Discuss your Grief
It is important to release your pain. To do so, talk about your grief with friends and family. They are there to support you. If you need more support, call a counselor. Calgary Counselling Centre is a great resource for individuals in need of help: (403) 265-4980 .
3. Let Yourself Grieve
It is okay to grieve. Permit yourself to take a break, to not take a break, to be gentle with yourself, and to let yourself feel ALL that you feel. Some individuals become paralyzed by certain stages of grief, hiding or ignoring their emotions. This is unproductive, as those feelings will eventually bubble back to the surface. Allow yourself to feel anger, pain, sadness, depression, etc. It is all part of the process. If ever you need help dealing with these emotions, turn to a counselor, or a friend, or even call Aspen Care who can recommend someone to help you with your grief. Support is all around you, all you have to do is ask.
4. Join a Support Group or Turn to Faith
Support is important. There are various groups (online and offline), or even groups at your church who can share your sorrow and pain. Visit the Alberta Health Services Grief Support Program for more information on support resources .
5.Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
It is important to exercise and eat well during the grieving process. Exercise can help clear your mind, and it releases dopamine and serotonin (happy hormones). This is a proven method to help you cope with grief.
6. Play with a Pet
If you have a pet or a friend with a pet, visit them! Playing with an animal, especially a dog has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and help cope with loss. There have been numerous studies conducted in pet-therapy research, and its positive health benefits, that the University of Calgary hosts a room of puppies before final exams for its’ students. After visiting the puppies, students feel immediately calmer, happier, and less-stressed before taking exams. So go play with a pet, and enjoy a happy presence.
If ever you need more information on end-of-life care, grieving resources, or simply support succeeding your loss, please phone Aspen Care at 403-990-3837.
