In all of our lives, there are transformative moments that shape everything that comes after. They change us to the core, and we may forever be affected by these events. One of the most life-altering, and unfortunately common, events is losing a friend or family member who is close to you. As you navigate the stages of grief, it can be incredibly challenging to proceed with the demands of everyday life, work, and other commitments.
Remember, it is never too soon to get help. Moving forward after a loss is undeniably difficult – but building a toolbox of coping strategies is an important step in living a fulfilling life event after a traumatic death or loss. Today, let’s take a look at some places to turn to if you are feeling low, unmotivated, unwell, or upset after losing someone or something important to you.
What to Do After a Loss
Loss comes in many shapes and sizes, and no two losses are exactly the same. You might be experiencing the loss of a friend or family member. You may be struggling with the loss of a job, a community, a home, or a relationship. Many people also struggle after pregnancy loss, the loss of health or safety, or the loss of youth as you grow older.
As we explore what to do after a loss, we’d like to pause for a moment to let you know that we hear and see you. You may be going through a challenging time, but you are not alone. If you live in Maryland, our team of behavioral health professionals is here to help – and if you are located elsewhere, there is a holistic wellness center near you that can support you through this difficult period. At Triumph, we care – about you and about all of those who are facing grief and loss.
As you mourn whatever kind of loss you are facing, it is crucial to remember to set aside time to take care of yourself. You might feel overwhelmed, and your life may feel upended or have changed shape due to your recent loss. However, looking out for your wellbeing is of the utmost importance as you learn to live again in the aftermath of a loss.
Caring for Yourself During Grief and Loss
Here are some suggestions from Mental Health America about how to best support your mental health while you are dealing with grief and loss…
Lean into your support network. Surround yourself with people that you know love and care about you. That might be relatives or friends who are dealing with the same experience. Additionally, you could turn to a support group of others who have dealt with similar losses (for example, a group of parents who have lost children or a group of people who have experienced loss via suicide). A counselor or therapist can also be part of your support network.
Don’t rush recovery. Be patient – it can take a while to feel “normal” again after a major loss. But over time, you will recalibrate to a new normal and come to terms with the new face of your life. Working through these feelings with a mental health professional can help you move forward if you are feeling stuck.
Voice your feelings. Sharing how you feel with others is always better than holding your grief and bereavement inside. Voicing your feelings and sadness can actually help you work through those feelings and move forward. If you need an outlet beyond the scope of your family, friends, or support group, our team at Triumph Behavioral Health is always here to listen.
Avoid major life changes. Your life has changed enough recently, and it will already take time to adjust to a new normal. We recommend postponing major life changes like a move, remarrying, or switching jobs. It is okay to take time to adjust your loss without another big shift.
Seek help from the professionals. As we’ve mentioned a few times now, behavioral and mental health professionals are specifically trained to help clients handle challenging situations like the loss of a loved one. Reaching out to a trained behavioral health provider can help you learn to handle a loss and remember that life is for the living, and it is okay to enjoy it.
Caring for Others During Grief and Loss
If you have a friend or loved one who is going through grief or loss, you can also apply these tactics to supporting them through this challenging time. Simply being there for the people you care about when they are struggling with a death or major life change is one of the most crucial aspects of interpersonal love and support. Here are some top suggestions…
Offer practical help. Sometimes, performing the everyday tasks of life can be overwhelming for someone who is dealing with grief or loss. Often, you can be supportive by helping out with cooking, babysitting, or running errands. That will help take one task off the person’s to-do list.
Provide genuine comfort. Platitudes like “it was for the best” or “they are in a better place” are not always the most helpful. Instead, share in their sorrow and lend a listening ear. Remember, you don’t have to fix the problem – just showing up to support them and listen is enough.
Encourage professional help. If you suspect someone is experiencing too much grief or pain to manage on their own, don’t hesitate to suggest professional help. You can even help them make an appointment to reduce one obstacle that might be holding them back.
Get the Support You Need for Grief or Loss
Dealing with the trauma of grief and loss does not need to be something you handle alone. At Triumph Behavioral Health, we have a team of skilled behavioral health providers who can offer you the support you need as you navigate this challenging chapter of life.
We serve clients in the Baltimore County, Towson, Arbutus, Linthicum Heights, and Catonsville areas. You can make an appointment right here.