A bitter pill to swallow is that grief is a natural part of life. Dealing with any loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, a loss of independence, or a diagnosis of a terminal illness, can leave us with immense physical and emotional pain. There is no ”right way” to grieve, but knowing how to cope with loss can help us navigate through the pain and help us in the journey of healing.
Here are helpful ways to cope with loss as an adult or a senior.
How to Cope With Loss: Dealing With Grief As An Older Adult
Allow yourself to grieve
People react to loss differently; some may express their grief more intensely and loudly, while some prefer to suffer in silence. While the latter seems like an ideal way of pushing aside your emotions and feelings of despair, it can cause more harm in the long term. Bottling up your feelings can prolong your grief, negatively impact your mental health, and even put your body under physical stress.
The healthy way to deal with grief is to be open in processing it. Talk with others and allow yourself to acknowledge your feelings. Be sad, angry, or guilty, but don’t ignore it. Accept that it’s all a normal part of coping with the loss. If you’re dealing with the death of a loved one, you can share beautiful memories of that person and find compassion in other people grieving them, too.
Participate in social and physical activities
While it may seem like the world has stopped after experiencing a significant loss, you’ll soon realize that that’s never the case. Engaging in social and physical activities is one of the best ways to manage during a difficult time. Do things you love. Join a hobby club, have a dinner party with friends and family, apply for volunteer work, or enroll in a fitness club. These are healthy behaviors that can uplift your mood and prevent isolation or feelings of loneliness.
Join a grief counseling
It’s important to remember that in dire situations like dealing with a loss, there’s always help available. Getting help through counseling from a professional might be the thing you need in learning how to cope with loss. Many senior communities, mental health clinics, or support groups offer grief counseling. Sometimes, the support of our family and friends won’t be enough to battle our feelings of loss, and that’s okay.
You are not alone. If you need professional help, check out these resources for grief therapists and support groups in Norcross, Georgia.
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