How people handle grief?
Grief is a complex and powerful emotion that everyone experiences differently. Some people cry, some get angry, while others distract themselves by watching cat videos on YouTube. It’s safe to say there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to grieving. But regardless of how someone handles their grief, the important thing is that they find healthy ways to cope with their emotions.
The Different Ways People Process Grief
Denial
Some people choose denial as a way to handle grief; they pretend like whatever has happened hasn’t really occurred or anything at all from an outside perspective. For example, a man whose wife passed away might still set the table for her every day even though she’s not alive anymore (that’s sadder than an onion-chopping contest). By acting as if nothing has changed, he can somewhat deal with losing his partner without facing the harsh reality head-on just yet.
Anger
Others may feel intense anger after experiencing loss – towards loved ones who couldn’t prevent what had happened or towards fate itself (I mean…who wouldn’t be mad at life giving them lemons instead of chocolate cake?).
Bargaining
”God if you bring my baby back I promise I’ll never eat candy again!” Is quintessential bargaining- promising something in exchange for returning things back to normal (which almost never works since clearly God isn’t running a mystical candy-for-babies exchange program!)
Depression
Depression during grief is pretty common – moods often fluctuate between abject sadness and complete numbness depending on which stage they’re in(If you’ve ever found yourself morphing into an amoeba-like creature under your covers ,you know exactly what we’re talking about!)
Acceptance
Finally There’s acceptance where They understand and accept the severity of thier pain both physically and emotionally, their perception of life changes and they navigate thier outlook towards the future.
The Role of Humor in Grieving
Using humor as one way to cope with grief might seem inappropriate on paper but it doesn’t make it any less beneficial. Sharing humorous stories about a loved one who passed away, making fun of dying, or finding sarcastic ways to deal with clichéd expressions like “time heals all wounds” are just some examples (no Becky ,’God needed another angel’ is not going to cut it)!
Humor can help break down barriers that might have been set-up when trying to talk about grief which can feel empty & uncomfortable. If your grieiving overwhelms you and makes you retreat into yourself,Silliness via roasting everyone at thier worst antics ,when you channel your inner rage into formulating excellent zingers/activities tailored for individuals has known to be advantageous at these emotionally draining times.To create an atmosphere where emotions are out in the open allows all present including those unable yet,to process their own personal loss.
Healthy Ways to Cope With Grief
Talk It Out
Talking through issues is always helpful; share how you’re feeling with someone close and caring ,whom would understand and will listen actively.You could also seek solace from professionals such as therapist/counselors/etc.,who’d offer valuable insights/healing mechanisms.You should never bottle up gargantuan emtions indside,it’ll only fester over time .
Express Yourself
Strict AF judgements cease once private spaces for solo dance choreography sessions come alive.Flashmobs or zumba classes are always there too.If dancing isn’t really your thing: Writing letters/journals,taking photos doing charity work-donating money ya know things that give people a sense of purpose may cushion post-grief feelings.
Joining Support Groups
Meeting others enduring simultaenous struggles of thier own and listening/emphasizing with them helps vent your feelings as well,it’d also reduce isolation considerably.
Learning to Say No
Understand this:It is entirely acceptable to slow the pace of life after a grave occasion.You can politely decline invitations ,taking time off work/ignoring tasks that needn’t be accomplished,saying ”No”works wonders
Unhealthy Ways of coping With Grief
Substance Abuse
Definitely not worth it please avoid at all costs!
Emotional Isolation
Adhering strictly to self-care regimes ,isolating from existing friendships/social networks/jobs/etc. isn’t really indulging in self care;it’s avoidance.Once we detach from the support system around us,processing pain becomes increasingly difficult.
Avoidance Behavior
Focusing entirely on other circumstances while you push away any specific memory or individual who reminds you of whateevr traumatic event had occured only increases distress overtime.
Conclusion
Grieving never really has an ending point,because everyone grieves differently.Being compassionate & non-judgemental towards oneself/others,easy access for help when needed,& socially reinforced positive-focus is key. It might seem clichéd but doing things such as creating keepsakes in honor/memory/recognition along with acknowledging mistakes/separating fact/opinion-based emotions/taking physical goodkeeping measures/maintaining schedules/boundaries etc.,helps one navigate through grief positively.