Good Grief - Part 2

In this episode about grief, the following topics were discussed:

1) patience - have patience with yourself in this difficult time. Allow yourself to feel and to
share as it seems helpful for you. Don't try to rush the process.

2) support from your family and friends are important. Seek out persons who are willing to allow you to be yourself and will listen as you need to tell your story of loss and talk about your favorite memories. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most people are just waiting for an invitation to be able to do something to help you.

3) balance - of quiet and activity. It is so tempting to get on a marathon road race of constant activity in order to avoid thinking and feeling. This is not healthy. You need a balance of activity - especially shared with others -and quiet to allow yourself the needed time to think and feel.

4) rest is especially important during grief as it is an exhausting experience. Allow yourself at least 8 hours of sleep per night and even a time to rest during the day during the first few months of grieving. lf you experience an extended period of inability to sleep it would be helpful to talk with your primary care physician. Without adequate rest the
emotional roller coaster of grief may be magnified and more difficult to manage.

5) talk with others who have experienced a similar kind of loss. Sometimes it is helpful just to know that others have thought and felt like you do. It is common for grieving persons to wonder if they are going "crazy," you will know you are not when you talk with someone who has walked a similar path.