Coping with Grief and Loss

Grieving is a healthy and natural healing process. It is not a sign of weakness. For most people, grieving follows a pattern that proceeds through a series of stages.

The best way to confront loss is to recognize it, understand the feelings and reactions you experience, and receive support from loved ones during the grieving process.

Tips for Coping with Grief

• Take your time. Don't judge or measure your reactions by those of others.
• Talk, share your feelings and the meaning this loss has for you.
• Pay attention to your body's needs. Exercise (according to your doctor's recommendations) and balanced nutrition are essential.
• Surround yourself with friends and family who love and support you. Avoid isolating.
• Tears may come unexpectedly and at times when you thought you were finished grieving. Be patient with yourself. Their intensity and frequency should diminish with time.
• Allow yourself time to grieve and give yourself breaks from the grieving process.
• If you follow a religious faith, this can be a time for prayer and quiet meditation. Seek out your faith mentors.
• Avoid alcohol and other mind-altering substances.
• Learn to be sensitive and flexible with your new needs and lifestyle.

It may be helpful to understand the common stages of the grieving process. They may include:

1. Denial

   Disbelief
   Numbness
   Shock

2. Anger and Guilt

   Anger, sometimes misdirected
   Guilt, sometimes misdirected

3. Sadness and Despair

   Sadness
   Loneliness
   Tearfulness
   Depression
   Reminders that bring new waves of grief

4. Acceptance and Hope

   Acceptance of your loss
   Adjustment to changes

5. Aftermath

   Gradual lessening of feelings of grief

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and would like grief support, click here for more information.