Instead of using SWOT for a project we’re applying it to your life after loss to get an idea of where you’re at, and if you’re up for it, where you want to go.
You’re Not “Going Crazy”
grief can definitely make you feel like you’re losing touch with the normal reality you knew, which can be incredibly disorienting.
I Just Want Some Sleep!
Fatigue and exhaustion are common physical side effects of grief, another common issue is difficulty sleeping. Here are a few natural ways to help get to sleep.
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.”
7 Tricky Grief Myths
Here’s a heads up on seven myths of grief you may have been told are true, that simply are not.
Crying In the Produce Aisle: Dealing with Attacks of Grief
Though it’s completely natural and healthy to cry, often times it can be embarrassing and frustrating. So here’s a quick dip into a mindfulness practice to help you regain a little control in those moments when you feel you’ve completely lost it.
Probably Don’t Slap Your Boss: Safely Expressing Grief
No feeling is “wrong,” it just exists, it’s then up to you to decide what you’re going to do with it.
“What’s Wrong With Me?” The Physical Effects of Grief
We all expect our emotions to be a mess when someone we love dies. What we often don’t expect are these common physical symptoms.
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.
7 Tips for Making 2017 Your Own
Despite what some people may tell you, happiness, healing, and hope are not just things that happen with time, it does take some resolve. Your life is made up of the small decisions you make every day. Where you go, what you say, how you react, who you choose to be around, and what information … Continue reading 7 Tips for Making 2017 Your Own
Understanding “The Language of Tears”
To close out our week looking at the wonder and mystery of crying, we want to leave you with the option of digging a little deeper into those tears. If you’re feeling ambitious you can commit to an in-depth textbook devoted to the subject. “Why Only Humans Weep,” written by Ad Vingerhoets, the professor at … Continue reading Understanding “The Language of Tears”
Are Tears a Cry for Help?
This week Grief Compass is looking at why we cry and today we’re focused on an article from Time Magazine which presents one of my favorite theories, that emotional (or psychic) tears have a different chemical structure than the basal tears that just keep your eyes moist and the reflex tears that are produced in response … Continue reading Are Tears a Cry for Help?
Why Does Grief Make Me Cry?
We all know the feeling when we’re just about to cry. Emotion rises. Your shoulders pull up tight. A thick lump forms at the back of your throat. Breath becomes unsteady. Your chin trembles. You sniff as your nose starts to run. You fight it, but liquid starts to collect on your lower eyelid, blurring … Continue reading Why Does Grief Make Me Cry?
6 Steps for Dealing with Fear After Belgium Attacks
The world is big and scary sometimes. Like today. If the events in Belgium overwhelm you with fear or despair, take a second to make the world small. Here’s how: 1) Turn off the newsfeed or tv. The news will not get better, so leaving the barrage of information and images for a few minutes … Continue reading 6 Steps for Dealing with Fear After Belgium Attacks
The 12 Days of Holiday Grief
Thank you for all your likes, shares, and comments! These tidbits of grief support definitely seem to have struck a common chord with many of you, and we hope they helped this year and in holidays to come. To make it easy for you to return to our holiday grief tips in one quick click I’m dropping all twelve right … Continue reading The 12 Days of Holiday Grief
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Twelve
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Find joy in the things you’re thankful for. Feeling happy does not mean you don’t miss your friend or family member, and is nothing to feel guilty about. It’s likely that the person you lost would actually prefer you be happy rather than spending the holiday in constant grief … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Twelve
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Eleven
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Meaningful touch is an essential part of human communication. Support can be expressed and received through a pat on the shoulder, holding a hand, or embracing. The physical and psychological benefits of touch are well documented and simple contact can, in a very real way, remind others that they’re … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Eleven
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Ten
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. You will not ruin Christmas if you cry. Grief carries with it a lot of emotion and the holidays are meant to be an emotional time of year—go ahead, cry. Give other people permission to cry too. Many times the best support you can give a crying person is … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Ten
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Nine
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Your friends and family are genuinely concerned about how you are doing. Prepare specific answers for questions like, “how are you holding up,” and “is there anything I can do to help?” Consider how your answers will be different if you’re asked by an acquaintance, relative, or best friend. … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Nine
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Eight
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. This is a tough one. Take some time to consider the moments you’ll miss your lost friend or family member the most. Is there a special holiday tradition of which they were an integral part? If you think of these specific moments in private, you’ll likely be better prepared for those moments when they happen. But remember, it’s okay to get emotional when they do.