Coping with grief is an experience that requires patience, self-reflection, and a supportive network. As you navigate the challenging path of loss, incorporating coping strategies becomes central to healing and easing the transition toward acceptance.
Posted below are links to the different sections of this series. You can either read from start to finish, or pick those areas where you are, or where you think you are. The grief journey is YOUR journey, but please don’t do it alone. At the end of this series, there is a section with books and online resources.
If you still cannot find your way toward healing, reach out to me.
Table of Contents
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Coping with Grief: Support from Friends and Family
A significant part of coping with grief is support from friends and family. Being able to share your experience of grief helps create a sense of connection and understanding. Research suggests that social support significantly contributes to improved mental health outcomes during the grieving process. Engaging in open conversations about your loss allows you a safe environment. Such a place with trusted relationships can be beneficial to your healing.
Join Support Groups or Professional Support
Beyond your family or friends, support groups or professional support are both resources to help you process grief. Grief support groups (locally or online) provide a place where you can share experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support. Professional support through stress coaching, counseling, or therapy offers personalized help to navigate the complexities of grief. Both approaches provide resources for managing the emotional disruption that accompanies loss.
Self-Care for Physical and Emotional Health
Working through grief goes beyond your emotional well-being. The effects of grief reach into your physical health as well. Three important areas contribute to your mental health: regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet contribute to overall mental health. Together, they help build your level of resilience.
Activities that promote your physical well-being help as a distraction and can create a holistic approach to healing. Prior to any exercise program, it’s good to check with your primary care practitioner. You can support your emotional health through meditation, art projects, mindful coloring books or journaling. These activities can help you focus and calm emotional waves during your grief journey.
A Review of This Section
Coping with grief is a journey that weaves through both the emotional and physical well-being. The support of friends and family, engagement with support groups, and seeking professional help are essential when navigating the complications of loss. The interrelation between your emotional and physical health underscores the importance of self-care practices. Harvard Health Publishing suggests a holistic approach to healing that contributes to mental resilience. When understanding and implementing coping strategies, you can gradually ease the burdens of grief and pave a way toward acceptance and healing.
References for this Section:
American Psychological Association. (2023). Grief. https://www.apa.org/topics/grief
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Grief and Loss: A guide to preparing for and mourning the death of a loved one.
Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2021). Grief and Loss: Coping with Grief and Loss.
I am not a medical or mental health provider. I am a Board Certified Hypnotist trained through the American School of Clinical Hypnosis. I am also a Certified Coach and Accredited Stress Coach. The work I do is to help clients regain confidence, overcome fears, and ease stresses. Those methods are supportive of this topic.
This resource is not a substitute for medical or medical health advice. If some issues are outside the scope of my practice, I can refer you to those best able to help. I am obligated by an ethical standard to pursue the best care for you and operate within the scope of my training. In many cases, even if you are being seen by a medical professional, I can help you if I receive a medical referral. This is common practice, as many doctors refer to certified consulting hypnotists to complement their plan of care.
