Learn about Grief

• Grief is not a sign of weakness.  It is the natural response to the death of a loved one. 

• Grief feels as though someone has reached in your chest and ripped your heart out.

• There is no timetable for grief, and everyone grieves differently.

• Grief hurts.  It affects relationships within the family, at work, in school and with friends. 

• Grief may cause a number of physical symptoms such as headaches, change in appetite, weakness, lethargy, loss of concentration--to name a few.

Accept Your Feelings

• Thinking that you are going crazy is a normal reaction.

• Cry when you need to, you usually feel better.  "Jesus wept"  John 11:35

• Cry when you need to, laugh when you can.  It's okay to be angry.  Let it out, beat rugs, exercise, hit a pillow.

• Be aware of depression--don't withdraw; seek professional counseling if necessary.

Be Good to Yourself

• Find a good listener.

• Consider keeping a journal.

Ask For and Accept Help

• Find someone you can talk to (an understanding friend, family member, another bereaved person, a support group.)

• Get help with caring for children or taking care of errands, people around you do care, they just may not know what you would like for them to do.

• If necessary, seek a professional counselor who understands grief.

Lean into the Pain

• You can't go over, under or around it.  You must go through it.

• Be careful not to avoid your grief by being a 'workaholic.'

• Do not abuse alcohol or prescription drugs, they often just mask the pain.

Be Patient With Yourself

• Take one day, one moment, and one hour at a time.  Remember, grief takes time, so give it the time it needs.

• Be careful not to overextend yourself or take on too many responsibilities.

Children Grieve Too

• A child old enough to love is old enough to mourn.

• If you have children, listen to them, reassure them, give them attention, hug them.  Let them know that they are loved and their grief counts.

 Shared with us by: Companions on a Journey Grief Support - For informational purposes only.  See the listing of grief support and counselors for professional counseling services.

Please see the Grief Support Resources for additional support and counseling resources.