Loss is something that everyone experiences a couple of times in their lives. Unfortunately, there had been over three million deaths in 2020, a massive uptick from the previous year, which only had two million deaths. This is mainly because of the pandemic and the rising number of Americans who don’t want to vaccinate.
It’s possible that you might be experiencing loss right now but don’t know what to do. Here are a few options that’ll help you cope with it.
It’s Okay to Feel Sad
It’s essential that you first understand the idea of sadness. It’s a feeling of loss, and it’s something that you should feel. If you try to bottle up your emotions, it’ll only worsen things in the long run. It’s also essential to differentiate between sadness and depression.
Depression is a disorder and one that can ruin your life if not managed properly. The most common form of an emotional disorder is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A loss of interest in activities characterizes a change in appetite, weight loss or gain, fatigue, low energy levels, trouble sleeping or oversleeping, and thoughts of death or suicide. The difference is that MDD is uncontrollable. People who have it can experience severe bouts of sadness for years.
On the other hand, sadness is a normal reaction to any loss. It’s okay to feel sad when something bad happens. The key is not wallowing in your sadness and understanding that it’s only temporary.
You should try writing about your experience during this time. Writing about your feelings can help you process them and understand them better. It can also be therapeutic and help you release some of the pent-up emotions you may be feeling. You don’t have to be a great writer; write whatever comes to mind.
Talk to Someone About Your Feelings
If you’re feeling lost and don’t know what to do, talking to someone can help. It can be a family member, friend, therapist, or anyone who will listen without judgment. Talking about your feelings can help you process them and understand them better.
Finding someone who won’t try to fix your problems but will listen attentively is also essential. So many try to give advice when all you need is a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes, it’s best not to say anything and be there for the other person. This is also the best way to remember that person you’ve lost. Maybe you can discover something about them while sharing your thoughts and feelings with others.
Join a Support Group
If you’re struggling to cope with loss, joining a support group can be beneficial. These groups are usually made up of people who are dealing with similar issues. The group provides a safe space to share your feelings and experiences. It can also help you feel less alone in your struggle.
There are many types of support groups, such as grieving parents, cancer patients, and people with chronic illnesses. There are also online groups that you can join if you can’t find one in your area.
However, there are a few rules you should know that exist within all support groups. First, what’s said in the group stays in the group. This rule is essential to maintaining trust within the group. Secondly, there’s no giving or receiving advice. The only exception to this rule is if someone asks for advice. Lastly, everyone is equal in the group, regardless of their experience.
Get Professional Help
If you’re struggling to cope with your loss, it might be time to seek professional help. This is especially true if you’re having trouble functioning daily. Some people can help you to grieve. You can hire bereavement services to help you out. There are even some excellent bereavement programs you can join. These programs can help you understand your grief and work through it.
Another option is therapy. Therapy can be an excellent way to deal with complicated grief. It can also help you if you’re struggling with depression or anxiety. If you’re unsure about therapy, you can always talk to your doctor about other options.
Give Yourself Time
It’s important to remember that grief takes time. There is no set time frame for grieving. Some people might grieve for months, while others might grieve for years. Therefore, giving yourself the time you need to grieve is essential. Trying to rush your grief will only worsen things in the long run.
Loss is something that many people experience every year, and 2020 was a challenging year for many. If you’re struggling to cope with loss, you can do a few things to help yourself. Following the tips above, you can gradually move forward with your life after the loss you’ve experienced.
