The important aspect of grief, loss and change is to recognize what we are now starting to understand as the “new normal”. Grief, loss and change is the natural response when we loose someone we love, or something we care about. Loss maybe sudden or it maybe a process or it maybe something we are anticipating that has not yet happened. The individual, no matter what their circumstances are, needs to acknowledge these emotions, however they manifest themselves. Grief, loss or change can disrupt your physical health, your eating patterns, the type of sleep you have previously enjoyed, or even how to think straight and organize your thoughts. The more intense or significant the loss the more intense your grief maybe. I am listing below some of the categories in which these changes may manifest.
Death of a loved one or significant other
Divorce or relationship break up
Loss of health
Losing a job
Loss of financial stability
A miscarriage
Retirement
Death of a pet
Loss of a cherished dream
A loved one’s serious illness
Loss of a friendship
Loss of safety after a trauma
Selling the family home or moving your location
There is no “normal” time table for grieving. Sometimes the impact is immediate and other times the manifestation or impact of loss is over weeks, months or years. During these confined times of Covid-19 and the other challenges, people have often not even fully realize they were in a period of grief or loss. Trying to ignore the pain may seem like the more practical road, but it has been found that feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. It has been found that moving on is a way of accepting your loss, but that does not mean you need to forget. Cherish your memories and all the facts that are important to you. Our memories often will sustain us as we redefine who we are. One of the most comforting ways is to acknowledge your pain, accept that grief will often evoke unexpected emotions, find comfort that your grieving process is unique to you, and look for support from the professional care area or those close to you. Take care of yourself both emotionally and physically. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross gave us the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
However you process these emotions, understand that the grieving process is a complicated endeavor. Somewhere in this process you need to remember to take care of yourself by eating well, getting sufficient sleep, exercising, and getting sunshine on a daily basis. Find ways to express gratitude for the memories you care to cherish, keeping a journal may be helpful and find support within your spiritual belief system.
