Coping with Grief/Loss

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a challenge like no other. But how can we cope with the loss and heal our emotional wounds? How can we imagine a life without that person while honoring memories we shared? How can we even wrap our heads around a sudden death?

Painful as my own grief was and feeling deeply saddened by the lose of Nipsey Hussle, this has given me new insight on dealing with grief. Although there are no quick fixes for the pain after a loved one's death, there are ways of easing the healing process of grief and understanding how this thing is suppose to work: 🧠🌱

1. Understand that grief is normal and the unexpected response to death can show up in different ways— intense pain, disbelief, numbness, & physical exhaustion. 
2. Allow yourself to mourn. Mourning is a critical process that can help you lessen the intensity of grief and help you adapt to your loss.
3. Looking to others for support from family members, friends or a spiritual leader is often essential in moving on from the severe, immediate grief after a death. 
4. Taking care of yourself during this time is important. Be mindful of your health and daily habits. Consider proper sleep, healthy eating habits, exercising regularly. If you’re like me, being accompanied by a close friend keeps me motivated. 
5. Don’t make major decisions while grieving. Grief might cloud your ability to make sound decisions. If you must make decisions right away, seek input from a trusted family member or friend.
6. Grief is unpredictable and the overwhelming grief following your loss will become more of a cycle of grief.

Grieving is a process. It will be unique to you, depending on your own personality, your relationship to the person you lost and even the circumstances of the death. The acceptance of your loss, the memories of your loved one, and your sorrow will gradually become an integrated part of how you see yourself as a whole person.