Losing a loved one or good friend is a significant emotional event, encompassing a variety of feelings from sorrow to anger. These ranges of emotions make up the grieving process, a normal and natural reaction to loss. However, dealing with grief is a difficult issue for many, according to Bent Jones, Bereavement Coordinator at Crossroads Hospice at their Tucker, GA office. “We’re told that ‘time heals all wounds’ and we should ‘let go’ and ‘move on’ from our loss, but we can’t truly do that without dealing with our pain directly and taking significant steps to find closure,” advises Jones. Here are several tips from Crossroads Hospice about undergoing the grieving process: 

1.)  There is no standard way to grieve – Grief is individual and unique. As every relationship is unique, so are the feelings and thoughts each person will have about a relationship that has been changed by the loss of a loved one.

2.)  Focus on the good times – The will always be unresolved issues surrounding the loss of a loved one, from feelings of anger and abandonment to sorrow over things left unsaid. Accepting that person for who they were and remembering the joy they brought into your life will help bring closure.

3.)  Identify challenging times – During the grieving process there will be specific times throughout the year – holidays, birthdays, etc. – where coping with loss will be more difficult. Making specific plans with family and friends during these tough times will help ease the sense of loss.

4.)  Be accepting of change – After any loss, things will be different. Our roles as wife or husband, son or daughter change when loved ones pass away. These changes can be surprising. By recognizing their significance and accepting them without guilt, these changes can become positive influences in our lives.

5.)  Remember to take care of you – Often times, our grief prevents us from taking care of ourselves. Simple steps such as having three square meals a day, getting eight hours of sleep and staying active can do wonders physically, emotionally and spiritually.

6.)  You never have to go it alone – Your family and friends are your support system in times of sorrow. Don’t be too proud to accept their help. By leaning on your loved ones, you can “borrow” some of their strength and hope during the grieving process.
 

 “None of us choose grief, but it finds us all at some time in our lives. However, we can choose how we cope with it,” says Jones. “We can ignore it, or we can honor it and use it as a way to grow in spirit.”

For more information on Crossroads Hospice, call (770) 270-9898 or visit www.crossroadshospice.com.