The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMA) has supplied the following suggestions which focus on the subject of grieving.
We are reminded that loss is one of life’s most stressful events, according to CMA. It takes time to heal, and everyone responds differently. We may need help in order to cope with the changes in our lives. Grief is part of being human, but that doesn’t mean that we have to go through the journey alone.
What is grief? It is a term which is also referred to as bereavement — the experience of loss. Many people associate grief with the death of an important person or pet in our lives. However, people experience grief after any important loss that affects life, such as the loss of a job or relationship. Feeling grief after diagnosis of an illness or other health problem is also common
Grief is experienced by people in many different ways and this includes many different thoughts or feelings during the journey. Some persons may feel shocked, sad, angry, frightened or anxious. Others may feel numb or have a hard time feeling emotions at all. At times, many people even feel relief or a sense of peace following such a loss.
Grief is complicated and there is no one way to experience it. Feelings, thoughts, reactions and challenges related to grief are very personal. Some persons have thoughts or feelings which seem to be at odds with each other. For example, many of us may feel extremely depressed about their loss, although accepting the situation at the same time.
Many people find that the intensity of their grief changes a lot over time. Holidays can frequently bring up strong feelings as an example. People work through grief in their own time and on their own path.
What can be done about it? People express or talk about grief in many different ways, however we all feel grief following a loss. In most cases, people navigate through the process of grief with help from loved ones and other supporters and in time, return to their daily life.
Some persons need extra help from a mental health professional. Grief can be more complicated when the loss is sudden or unexpected, are frightening, the result of an accident or are the result of a crime.
Other factors also may play a role. An individual’s experience of mental illness, lack of personal and social supports as well as difficult personal relationships can also affect the impact of grief. A type of counselling called “grief counselling” supports people through difficulties around the subject.
Connect with caring and supportive people. This might include loved ones, neighbours and co-workers. It could also include a bereavement support group or community organization.