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Experts agree that the stages of grief are denial, anger,
depression, and then gradual recovery. Going through the
stages of grief can be difficult at times, but the grieving process
itself is a healthy one that aims to balance one’s attitude toward
the loss. Be open to the support and sympathy of friends and
family members. You don’t need to go through this process
alone. Don’t become paralyzed by disorganization and
despair. Remember that although you will never forget or stop
loving the person you lost, you won’t mourn forever.
Strive to maintain caring relationships with all members of your
family and your friends. Remember that each of them may be
experiencing the same range of feelings that you are and may be
undergoing significant stress. Such stresses can
manifest themselves in sadness, guilt, anger, jealousy, behavior
problems, and sleep disorders.
Grieving and wellness may seem unrelated, but unresolved grief
often leads to illness and always leads to a decline in wellness.
Wellness is defined as a condition in which the physical, emotional,
mental, and spiritual dimensions of our being are balanced so that
we can use our energy effectively in pursuing our goals. Loss
of a loved one upsets the balance and reduces our energy.
Grieving is the process of restoring our energy and affirming our
goals
In the physical area, exercise and nutrition are extremely
important. Emotional wellness is dependent on having someone
you can talk to without having to apologize for your feelings.
Learn how to identify your feelings to yourself and others.
Strive for mental wellness by learning to keep a positive image of
the loved one in your mind. Spiritual wellness is achieved by
keeping in touch with your source of energy perhaps through
meditation or prayer. Also, helping others who need you can be
very beneficial.
Recognize that whatever you think, feel, question, or believe is
acceptable. Don’t make excessive demands or impose rigid
restrictions on yourself. Communicate tolerance, compassion,
and love. Live through your grief. As you slowly heal,
work for balance in yourself in your permanently changed world.
Below is a list of recommendations that you
should consider after the loss of a loved one.
Anticipate panic, anxiety, and periods of depression so that you
won’t be alarmed when they occur. These are all normal and
common emotional reactions to significant loss.
Recognize personal stress symptoms of fatigue; irritability;
isolation; sudden mood swings; and major changes in sleeping,
eating, and sexual patterns. Learn to take care of yourself
even when you don’t feel like it.
Realize that your friends may grieve in a fashion similar to or
quite different from yours. Don’t imagine them to be
cold or uncaring if their moods don’t match yours.
Seek out self-help groups. You aren’t alone in this
problem.
Anticipate feelings of sadness on your loved one’s birthday, at
holiday time, or during other special times.
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