Just like no two relationships are exactly the same, no two people experience loss the same way. And that’s not only normal—it’s expected. Here are some reasons why…
Why We Get Stuck In Grief
Many people find themselves stuck in grief because they are never able to let go of what they believed was “supposed to be.” This is the challenge behind acceptance.
Continuing Bonds: Your Evolving Relationship with Someone Who Died
The grief theory of Continuing Bonds acknowledges that your relationship with the deceased has changed dramatically but will evolve into something new.
Setbacks in Grief
Making returns to intense feelings of grief when you thought you were feeling fine can leave you weary and wondering when it’s going to stop.
RAIN: Easy Mindfulness for Grief
The RAIN method of mindfulness, is useful in grief for examining, and better understanding, what you’re feeling rather than just having those feelings take over.
Death Guilt: I Feel Like It’s My Fault
There are commonly two root thoughts for the guilt felt after someone dies:
Why didn’t I …?
I never…
Why Am I So Crabby?
When we are bereaved our fuse gets shorter and grace is a little harder to muster, so often we take offense to what other people say and are quick to snap back. I’m not here to invalidate your emotions or actions, but rather encourage you to take a breath and consider your reaction before responding.
Staying Healthy After Loss
Some physical symptoms of grief may be sticking around long enough to create a concern. This could be a good time to take stock of your health and wellness.
God and Grief
Religion and spirituality are not the main focus of Grief Compass, but we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that they are a major influence on the way many people experience grief, and the way that grief can be complicated.
Grief Theory: Dual Process Model
The key idea around the Dual Process Model is that we don’t go one way through grief—following stages or tasks in a sequence over time—but instead that we oscillate (or bounce back and forth) between being “loss-oriented” and “restoration-oriented.”
Go First, Say Their Name
With your grief, you’ve got enough of a burden and you shouldn’t have to be strapped with the additional responsibility of making it easier for others to interact with you, but if you can go first and offer this bit of grace to your friends and family, it can easily pay dividends in conversation that acknowledges your loved-one and your loss.
Surviving the “Firsts” After Loss
Their birthday, holidays, vacations, anniversaries, social gathering, all these events can be a challenge to face for the first time without the person with whom you usually shared them. Here are five simple tools that will help you prepare for some of your “firsts.”
The Acute Loss Period
The 7 things that happen during the 10-14 days after the loss of a family member or friend are nearly universal and non-negotiable, they will happen whether you want them to or not.
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Three
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Shopping for holiday gifts can be a reminder of the one person that you won’t be buying for this year. Rather than leaving them off your list, buy them a gift. While doing your holiday shopping, buy a gift for your lost friend or family member. Find something that … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Three