Dealing with Greif

February 16, 2023


Grief is the natural emotional response to loss, particularly the loss of someone or something to which we have formed a deep emotional bond. This complex experience encompasses a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and despair, and can also involve physical sensations, cognitive changes, and behavioral shifts.

Understanding Grief

  1. Stages of Grief:

    • Denial: Refusal to accept the reality of the loss.
    • Anger: Frustration and anger about the loss and its unfairness.
    • Bargaining: Trying to negotiate or make deals to undo or mitigate the loss.
    • Depression: Deep sadness and mourning over the loss.
    • Acceptance: Coming to terms with the loss and finding a way to move forward.
  2. Types of Grief:

    • Anticipatory Grief: Grief that occurs before an impending loss.
    • Complicated Grief: Prolonged or intensified grief that interferes with daily functioning.
    • Disenfranchised Grief: Grief that is not socially acknowledged or supported.

Coping with Grief

  1. Seek Support:

    • Talk to Friends and Family: Sharing your feelings with loved ones can provide comfort and understanding.
    • Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar losses can be validating and supportive.
  2. Professional Help:

  3. Self-Care:

    • Physical Health: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
    • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress and stay grounded.
  4. Create Rituals:

    • Memorials and Celebrations: Honor the memory of the lost loved one through memorials, ceremonies, or personal rituals.
    • Creative Expression: Writing, art, or music can be therapeutic ways to express grief.
  5. Allow Yourself to Grieve:

    • Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s important to recognize and accept all emotions that arise.
    • Give Yourself Time: Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline; allow yourself the necessary time to heal.
  6. Stay Connected:

    • Engage in Social Activities: While it might be difficult, maintaining social connections can provide crucial support.
    • Volunteer or Help Others: Sometimes helping others can provide a sense of purpose and perspective.
  7. Establish Routine:

    • Daily Structure: Maintaining a daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability.

Grief is a deeply personal process, and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. Finding the right combination of support, self-care, and professional help can significantly aid in navigating this challenging time.

About the author

Dr. Kelly has 25 years of expert medical experience caring for the sickest of the sick people in critical care (including ICU, Heart surgery, Heart & Lung transplant surgery, as well as cardiology). She is a clinical specialist who has taken care of and trained others to care for the critically ill/the elderly and developed many screening and preventative programs to help improve the health of the population. The reality is that most people just don't have to be that sick. or stay that sick. So, Dr. Kelly decided to change the focus of the care she provided: to prevent, reverse and restore the health of individuals.

Dr. Kelly

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