Finding Support and Solace After Loss
By Brandi Goodman
The sudden death of a loved one can put you through significant emotional turmoil. You may feel isolated from everyone with your thoughts eating away at you. "What could I have done differently?" you think to yourself. The guilt, anger, sadness, and many other emotions of grief are difficult to bear. It's important to find support and solace through this difficult time so you do not allow your depressed state to become a common theme in your life.
Turn to Your Friends and Family
Your friends and family may not know your exact pain, but many of them will be feeling some sort of pain with this same loss. Chances are they knew the person too and it can be a comfort knowing that others miss your loved one just as you do. Don't try to remain strong for others. Let them know you're hurting and need them just as much as they need you. This is especially true for parents. You don't need to hide your grief from your children. Instead, grieve with them. Cry together. It can bring you closer and give comfort to you and them.
Join a Local Support Group
Search for a local bereavement group or grief support group. There may be some available through churches or even the hospital or a nearby clinic. Many of these groups meet once per week and offer resources, helpful advice, or simply a safe place to share your feelings. What's nice about these groups is that you can often find others who are going through the same or very similar situation as you. They may express the same feelings that perhaps some of your family and friends don't seem to understand. Having others who are going through the same thing as you can make you feel connected and like you're not in this journey alone.
Look Online for Support
It may not always be possible to find a local support group or perhaps you aren't yet ready to get out of the house and go to one. Look online for support instead. There are lots of support groups available online, such as through Facebook, that allow you to connect with others who share your experiences and feelings. You can simply read what they have to say and share your own experience on the situation. This may feel less intimidating than physically being at a group with others around you. You only have to share when you feel comfortable, or you can simply read what others say and never share at all.
You need to take care of both your physical and mental health during this difficult time. It may seem impossible, but you can get through it with a little help. Look to your friends and family, turn to a local support group, or find solace in an online community of others who understand your pain. Share your grief and know that you're not alone.
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