When experiencing the loss of someone close to us, it is normal to feel a range of emotions. For example, you may feel shocked, sad, upset, afraid, angry, or alone. These emotions can make it hard to concentrate and to focus on your daily routine. It is important to remind yourself that grieving the death of someone close to you does not have a particular timetable. Mourning can look different for different people and can take weeks, months, or sometimes longer. Although there is no “cure” for grief, there are several ways to improve your coping with grief and to begin to ease the pain. Spend time alone when needed to be with your thoughts and feelings and time with others whom you trust and who will listen when you need to talk. Take care of yourself. It can help to make time for activities that nourish and replenish you. Hot baths, afternoon naps, a short trip, a project helping others. Grief can be an emotionally and physically exhausting process.
In many instances, people can move through their grief on their own, or with their existing supports and resources. However, sometimes additional assistance is needed. This can happen especially if you are experiencing multiple stressors, or you are coping with cumulative grief. These warning signs include continuing bouts of depression, social withdrawal, and isolation, suicidal thoughts, or continuing feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and despair. If this occurs for you, consider talking with someone in the Personal Counseling Center. Individual Counseling is available via DOXY.me or in-person in the Birkam Health Center on the Big Rapids Campus. To schedule an individual appointment, call (231) 591-5968 or send an email to [email protected]. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday through Friday.