A death of a loved one, a job loss, the end of a marriage, an illness or disability. Everyone faces losses and grief, but the toll grief can take on the mind and body can catch many people by surprise.
Grief is a normal reaction to loss. In years past, grief often was described as following a certain pattern or orderly progression from one feeling to another.

However, there is no one way to grieve. People who are grieving experience many different emotions in any number of combinations. They may include denial, sadness, anger, confusion, despair and even guilt. Physical reactions can include sleeping problems, changes in appetite, a drop in energy level, body aches and pain or the development or worsening of an illness.

Time spent grieving varies too. Some people take months to fully accept or adapt to a loss. For others, the process may take years.

Here are some helpful reminders for coping with grief:

Express your feelings. Suppressing thoughts and emotions may prevent you from working through grief. Friends, family or members of the religious community often can be a source of support and comfort. Other options include support groups and grief counselors.

Delay any major decisions or changes. Decisions that affect your life and lifestyle, such as moving or establishing new ways to handle your finances, should wait a while. Getting advice from a trusted family member or friend, financial adviser or attorney may be helpful.

Take care of your personal health. Eating right, getting adequate sleep and limiting alcohol are important. Regular exercise can relieve stress and anxiety.

Be patient. Expecting yourself to simply "get over" grief is unrealistic. Ups and downs may last for weeks or months following a loss. Though some feelings of loss may never fully go away, the most intense signs and symptoms of grief typically diminish over time, within six months or so.

If your grief is prolonged and debilitating, it may be a sign of depression or posttraumatic stress disorder. Consult a doctor to discuss your treatment options.

Contact:
Ginger Plumbo
507-284-5005
[email protected]