There are various events, triggers, in our lives that will have an impact on our mental health. Some of those triggers can be financial problems, a relationship ending, bullying, overwork, a traumatic experience, being on your own too much and also grief.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 7-10% of adults will suffer from persistent symptoms of prolonged grief disorder after the loss of a loved one. 5-10% of children and adolescents experiencing loss may suffer from depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or prolonged grief disorder.
Ways to cope with grief
Each person’s grief is individual to them and what helps one person will be different to that of another. But there are ways to help cope with grief.
1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions – there are several stages in the grieving process and you will feel a variety of different emotions. Don’t try and suppress them; it’s okay to allow yourself to feel them.
2. Talk to someone – it’s good to talk; whether that’s a family member, a friend or a professional. You don’t have to talk about your grief either but hiding your grief will be a strain. It’s okay to want some time alone in thought but don’t be afraid to ask for help. There will be people around you that want to support you so express what you need from them.
3. Do something that makes you smile – it could be your favourite hobby, reading, going for a walk or baking. Try to do this every day as a way to release your emotions and bring comfort.
4. Give yourself time – there is no set time frame on how long or short your grieving period should be. It’s different for everyone and many people find that it comes and goes. Avoid making yourself so busy that you don’t give yourself time to grieve; it will catch up with you eventually.
5. A comforting touch – physical contact can make a world of difference, be it a simple hug, holding hands, an arm around the shoulders or just a gentle touch. But it’s not for everyone and that’s okay.
6. Sleep when you can – grief is tiring; your body and mind will need time to recover so try to get as much sleep as you can to allow this to happen.
7. Maintain a healthy diet – in the same way your body and mind needs rest, it also needs nourishment to help it heal and recover. Grief has an impact on your immune system so it’s important to look after your health.
8. Getting outside – fresh air reinvigorates your mind and body, boosting oxygen levels and energy, as well as helping you to recover. Avoid sitting in a dark room as this is likely to fuel your grief. Get outside into the light and rejuvenate your senses.
As the nation mourned the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and a loving family said goodbye in the public eye, it brought home just how raw and painful grief can be. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family as they now mourn in private. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the time you need to grieve but look after your body and mind, too.
Our community, our greatest asset, at Really Helpful Club is about accepting and embracing people from every facet of life, bringing people together in ways where ideas and experiences are shared, offering unique opportunities for people to grow, and empowering each other to achieve what they might have thought impossible.
