combinepdf (3)

How to handle oneself during the grieving
process
1. Stay in touch with others
During these lockdowns, you may not be able to be physically
close with your family, try not to become emotionally
isolated. In case of loss of a loved one, allow people
to offer their condolences and support you in different
ways. Phone calls, texts, emails and social media messages
of support from the people closest to you may offer
some comfort. Reach out to them and make sure to
contact someone every day. Try to answer their calls and
reply to their messages to keep conversations going with
the people who care.
2. Eat well
Try not to neglect your basic needs. Eating well
improves your mood, mental abilities, and productivity.
Even though you may not have your usual appetite, try to
eat enough food and drink water adequately in order to
stay hydrated. This will help you to stay physically
healthy while you grieve.
3. Keep a routine
Keeping some routine can be helpful. Try to stick to
your normal routine as much as possible. Maintaining
your usual meal, bed and waking-up times is important.
Get out into the garden or on your balcony for some
fresh air if you can. For those who can take a walk do so,
a walk in the woods, on a local nature trail, or around the
neighborhood will be good exercise. A plus is that you
never know what you will see or who you will meet that
can make you feel better.
4. Take it one day at a time
You will feel OK during some days and the grief would
not be bad as other days - this is normal. Some people
can feel guilty when this happens, but there is no need to
take this route. Be kind to yourself and be aware of your
feelings and emotions, one day at a time. It is all a normal
part of grieving.
times. Never shy away from talking to this group as they
are trained professionals for a reason, they are there to
hold your hand as you navigate through life’s difficult
patches.
Ways to support a person who is grieving
You are encouraged to be there for your grieving friend
or loved one. It may not be physically but you can still
come up with ways to make them feel loved and cared
for. Below are some suggestions on how to offer comfort
without being physically present:
1.text or call - ask your friend how they are doing, ask
what might help and listen carefully
2. drop food or a gift at the door to offer comfort
3. offer practical help, for example with shopping
4. offer help with technology, for example with setting up
video calls, WhatsApp or other ways of keeping in touch
etc.
Caring for children who are grieving
Many people tend to ignore children as if they are
immune to grieving. No, they are not. Because death
could rob them of their father, mother, sibling, grandpa
or granny whom they have created a lot of memories
with. They grieve too and here is how you can handle
children during times of loss:
1. Answer their questions honestly. Children cope better
with sad news when they are told the truth.
2. Let them set their own pace. There is no right or
wrong way for them to experience grief.
3. Try to give honest, age-appropriate information about
the death. Do not worry if you cannot answer all their
questions. Tell them you will find out and try to bring up
the conversation again when you can answer them.
Visit our Find a Therapist section on our website to get
one near you.
5. Listen to your favorite music playlist
Music can have a positive impact on both our physical
and emotional health. This ranges from reducing the
perceived intensity of pain to relieving symptoms of
depression. Make a list of music that uplifts your mood
and take time to listen or always play in the background.
6. Get in touch with your Counselor
It is always advisable to contact your Counselor or
Psychologist so that they help walk you through trying
Feb 2022 Issue 1 Mental Balance 27