Unfortunately, loss is a part of life for everyone. Whether it’s a close friend, a relative, or even a certain situation, we’ll all have to deal with some type of loss at some point. The hard part is that we all respond to it, and deal with it differently.
There are healthy ways of coping and dealing with loss – that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any easier for some people than others, but some people are better able to carry it with them and get through their lives. For others, loss can feel like a crushing defeat. It can take over your life and make you feel as though the walls are closing in around you.
It’s perfectly normal to grieve and feel a sense of loss when the situation is appropriate. But, when it starts to completely take over your life and feels impossible to deal with, it’s time to work on how to get through it for good.
Whether you feel angry, confused, hurt, lost, or even guilty, we can help you to focus on your future without feeling the constant weight of your personal loss. In the meantime, let’s take a look at a few helpful tips that can guide you through your grief.
Don’t Keep It Inside
One of the best ways to deal with grief is to talk to someone about it. It might sound cliché at first, and there’s a good chance you won’t want to ‘burden’ anyone with your feelings, but you can’t let yourself be held back by those thoughts. Confiding in someone can make a big difference, whether it’s a family member, friend, or even a professional in mental health.
Keep a Routine
If you already had a daily routine, try to keep it in tact. Doing ‘normal’ daily things can make coping easier and make life feel somewhat balanced again. You can also develop a new routine. Something as simple as waking up at the same time each day to go for a walk can make a difference.
Take Care of Yourself
Eating well, getting enough sleep, and even exercising can help to make the feelings of loss seem less daunting. When your mind and body are taken care of, your emotions will be, too. The stress that comes with loss can also make you feel exhausted, so don’t be afraid to fight that exhaustion by getting enough sleep.
Don’t Use Negative Substitutes
Out of the many ways to cope with loss, one of the worst things you can do is try to fill that void with something negative. Unfortunately, many people turn toward things like alcohol, gambling, or other harmful vices. Dealing with loss can take time, and there are healthy ways to get through it. Trying to find a ‘quick fix’ in order to numb the pain might work for a short period of time, but it can easily lead you down a destructive path.
Again, the best thing you can do when dealing with loss is to talk it out with someone. If you’re not comfortable sharing your feelings and emotions with friends or a family member, we can help when it comes to listening and providing guidance for the future.
Counselling Burnaby Vancouver, Via Counselling & Consulting. Burnaby Counsellor Shari Wood, M.Ed., R.C.C. dedicated to helping clients begin their personal therapeutic journey. A Clinical Counsellor, specializing in helping people overcome self-doubt and build healthy relationships.