Personal Counseling > Grief and Loss > Recovering From Grief

:: Grieving people may experience similar feelings ::
:: How to help a friend cope with loss :: Myths about grief ::
::  Recovering from grief :: Help is available ::

• Recognize the loss: It has happened - try not to avoid it.

• Accept the grief: To feel pain after a loss is normal. Do not try to be "brave".

• Express and honor personal feelings.

• You are not alone: Loss and grief are universal - everyone experiences them.

• Talk about your feelings: Share your grief with others. Talk with those you trust.

• It's OK to feel depressed: Take time to be sad and to cry.

• It's OK to feel angry: We all act angry over a loss - learn to channel it wisely.

• Take care of yourself: Eat properly and exercise regularly.

• Keep busy: Plan your days - activity will give you a sense of order. Avoid over-activity.

• Seek comfort: Accept support from others. Be gentle with yourself.

• Reaffirm your beliefs: Take advantage of your faith - lean on it.

• Postpone major decisions: Expect your judgment to be clouded for a while.

• Keep a journal: Put your thoughts on paper - it is a good way to let your feelings out.

• Be Open: Give yourself opportunities to meet new people, places, ideas and experiences, but don't forget to build on the past. Don't discard what has been worthwhile to you.

• Give yourself time to heal: The greater the loss - the more time it will take. Never compare yourself to another grieving person.

• Expect relapses: There will always be things that trigger saddness again - this is normal.

• Always maintain hope: You will survive your loss.

_________________________
Ron Vick, MA, LPC
Counselor / Academic Advisor
Int'l Student Advisor