Are you dealing with grief?

It could be the loss of a relationship, marriage, loved one, pet, a job, income and even your home, your health or your goals and dreams.

What do we do with these feelings of deep loss? What can we expect and how do we manage it?

It is important to allow yourself to feel the grief. Dont try and push the feelings down. It is normal to cry and you will probably cry a lot over the first few months. Yes, months. Grief isn’t something you will get through in a matter of days or even weeks, especially if it’s a loved one including a pet. If it’s a deep grief or compounded grief it can take years and therapy to help you get through loss.

Try to keep things as normal as possible.
You may lose motivation to do the things you love and even every day things.

Be kind to yourself and practice self-care.
Take yourself to the movies with friends and or your children if you have children. Go to a friends house or family member for a BBQ.

Reach out to close friends you know will support you through this.

If you have children, start new traditions, e.g, fish and chips on the weekend, going to a funny movie when they come out, watch funny series together on TV, Netflix, DVD, etc, go for walks along the beach and even do weekend road trips with the kids and or friends. Start to make happy memories.

Grief can be a time we rediscover who we are without the person, pet, job, health etc. You may have lost yourself in the relationship. Grief is often used as a time to find out what you love doing and what you”re good at.

When you’re ready, maybe think about joining a group such as rock n roll dancing, bush walking, yoga, pottery, art etc.

If dancing is your thing, many clubs such as bowling clubs, RSL clubs have regular rock n roll nights. You dont need a partner to enjoy the night.

Don’t tell yourself you should be over this by now because other people think you should.

Don’t make major life decisions during this time. Wait until you have a clear head before making permanent changes that will affect your future.
Seek professional help to get you through this time.

Most of all, love yourself.