Every individual has that phase in life, when one feels sad, disturbed, disappointed, or hurt. Does this phase not pass, of course it will. “Nothing is permanent, neither happiness nor bad times”. One has to have patience and have belief about “nothing is permanent”, have belief in oneself and the abilities one is gifted with. Yeah, it’s that simple, at least for those who try.

The Power of Grief

Grief is one such natural emotion that has strong and overwhelming negative effect on a person, which is a result of loss of something one values and has a close connection with. Grief could be a result of separation from loved ones, could be due to death, break up, moving abroad, losing a friend, or separation from the partner. Grief could also be a result of a terminal illness, disability or an accident.

Grief often involves extreme sadness, and its intensity differs from person to person. intensity defines the result and effects of grief on an individual. A person may stop eating as a result of grief, while some may withdraw socially, some may blame themselves, and others may have episodes of negative thinking. Grief has no defined set patterns, reaction to grief differs from person to person. Some may display their grief through various actions and others may prefer to keep their feelings for themselves.

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The Stages of Grief

There are five common stages of grief, which are Denial, Anger, Bargain, Depression, Acceptance.

Let's look at an example. In the beginning, an individual would deny the fact that they had lost their job. assuming that it would be a mistake or a prank. But when the loss is confirmed and anger hits, one starts thinking about all their efforts, which were ignored and why it happened to them. Followed by which they bargain and try to talk things out. As a result of grief (extreme sadness), the person begins to feel the symptoms of depression. And finally, the feeling of acceptance. The above Stages may or may not occur in sequence. 

What Causes Us To Feel Grieved?

Grief is usually a result of the death of a close one, but other major losses also contribute towards grief.

Grief's Sorrowful, Yet Real Effects

Though people assume that they are only sad, sadness in grief is followed by withdrawal from activities, loss of interest, substance abuse to avoid the extreme feelings and thoughts, difficulty in concentration, depression. 

Some of the indirect effects of grief, according to theories of sadness, stress, emotions may include weakening of immune system leading to illness, loss of appetite, pain in various parts of body, leading to diabetes, changes in weight, post-trauma and much more

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Coping with Grief

Acceptance is one of the most important part of coping. Acceptance allows one to agree that grief is not going to reverse what already occurred. And it also helps to adjust to reality. When an individual accepts what has already occurred, they may find ways to cope with that situation.

Accepting is one of the most important part of coping. Accepting allows one to agree that grief is not going to reverse what already has occurred. And also helps to adjust to reality. When an individual accepts what has already occurred they may find ways to cope with that situation.

Another part of coping with grief is to cry. To not be ashamed of the fact that the sadness is making you cry.

Expressing of emotions lessen the intensity of that emotion and in this case crying would reduce the feeling of sadness.

Social support refers to reaching out to friends and family members whom you can trust and, whom you can share your feelings with without being ashamed. Seeking social support helps you to reduce the burden of grief.

To avoid thinking about what has happened one can keep themselves busy. Indulging in daily activities, going out on short walks, listening to music, watching funny movies, learning new hobbies are those activities that can help one overcome grief.

It’s important to stay positive about yourself, to take care of your health, take care of your mental health, to take events in a positive manner and learn from experience.

To stay positive one can turn to meditation, exercise, mindfulness, journaling positive memories and recalling of positive memories.

In some cases one cannot help themselves, time when coping strategies are unable to help cope up with grief. During these situations one can always turn to seek professional help from doctors, social support groups, and mental health professionals.

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Grief cannot be avoided; it is a phase that follows you in many situations of life. Taking few simple steps can lessen the intensity of grief and make it easier to honor loss and embrace healing. Grief is nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. But when the intensity of grief hinders in daily life activities, it is an indication to seek professional help.

Reach out to us to seek professional help if you feel you are unable to handle grief at Heart It Out .