To mark Grief Awareness Week, 2-8 December, we’re taking this opportunity to open up conversations about loss and the many ways it touches our lives.
Grief is a natural part of who we are as humans, yet many find it difficult to talk about. Feelings of loss can manifest with different symptoms. As we are all unique, our experience of grief will be too.
To offer support during this week, our Counselling Team has put together some gentle advice on caring for both mind and body while navigating bereavement. We hope these suggestions provide some comfort.
Self -care for the mind:
- Allow yourself to grieve
Feelings like sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness are natural and common. Working through the emotional pain, rather than suppressing it, helps to process the layers of grief.
- Ask for help
Seek support from someone who understands, or identify helpful support groups for positive connections. Adjusting to a world without your loved one can be overwhelming, and external support may help you find new routines and a positive shift in your identity.
- Create a mourning ritual
Journalling, writing a letter to say goodbye or making mementos from meaningful items – all help to express and honour your grief.
Self-care for the body:
Self-care for the body is important when you’re bereaved because grief doesn’t just affect your emotions, it also takes a toll on your physical health too.
If possible, try to:
- Move gently with exercise like walking, stretching and yoga, drink enough water and eat nourishing foods.
- Rest when needed.
- Connect– ask for comfort from someone you trust
- Breathe with deep controlled breathing or meditation.
Please don’t hesitate to connect with our Counselling Team for bereavement support or advice