“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” Does this famous saying resonate with you? Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult parts of life, but you don’t have to get through it alone. Learn how to cope with loss and get the help you need.
How to Cope with Loss
Everyone must deal with loss at one point or another. Learning how to cope with loss is a good way to make sure that you can care for yourself and your loved ones, and support each other when you need it the most.
Take Care of Yourself
If you’re processing a difficult loss, you may notice that your attention span is limited, and your emotional state is low. You may even experience some physical issues, like fatigue. It’s important to understand that grief is both a physical and mental process, and those issues mean that your mind and body need a little extra care while you’re going through it. Be sure to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself as you navigate loss. Do what you can to eat and sleep regularly, and build lots of rest and recuperation into your schedule. Give yourself things to look forward to every day, like a meal you enjoy or a funny episode of your favorite TV show.
Let Your Feelings Happen
Some people believe that being “strong” and stoic in the face of loss is the best way to cope. Unfortunately, ignoring your feelings in the short term usually means they’re going to linger and affect you for much longer than if you’d taken the time to express and process them. Instead of pretending you’re fine, look for healthy ways to express your grief. If you need to cry, let it happen. If you need to spend some more time processing your feelings, use a method like grief journaling to give yourself an outlet.
Get Help from Your Community
Grief can be an isolating process, especially if you’re not the kind of person that reaches out for help. You might want to handle it all on your own, but research shows that professional help can provide both needed community and concrete tools to help you deal with loss. Consider attending a support group or even seeking out some counseling if you need more support. Also, be sure to reach out to friends and family. You may be surprised who is ready to step up and help.
Consider How You Can Remember the Person You Lost
Did you know that memorials can actually help you process grief? Taking the time to remember someone you loved can comfort you and help you focus on your positive memories instead of dwelling on the loss. You don’t have to do anything that elaborate either. Consider how you can remember the person you’ve lost in your daily life. Could you keep a copy of their favorite book on the shelf? Have a favorite photo framed and hung on the wall? Be creative, and express your love and affection for them. You’ll feel better afterward.
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Learning how to cope with loss is challenging, but a supportive community can make a huge difference. At The Piper, we do everything we can to support our residents through every life transition. Come visit us today.
Are you seeking an assisted living, memory support, or physician-directed nursing community in Kansas City? Check out The Piper today. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals ensures that residents feel secure and comfortable right away. At our warm and welcoming community, which is truly a “home within a home,” we foster social interaction, engagement, and the right amount of care. Our residents always come first. To learn more about our services or to schedule a tour, please give us a call at 913-361-5136 or contact us online.