⬆️ How to help a grieving friend ⬆️
What are Grief and Loss?
Grief is a normal experience that is your body’s way of dealing with loss in your life. When loss is caused by death, grief is expected and accepted. Other losses in life can also cause a profound grieving process that sometimes is less easily understood.
Losing possessions in a fire or by theft, losing a dear precious pet, the end of a relationship, moving, divorce-all of these things can trigger a painful and difficult response.
Grief is normal and yet unique to each person. While each of us grieves in our own way, there are certain reactions and feelings that often occur. Being aware of them may help in the difficult process of recovery from loss.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
When you lose anything that you cared about or that was important in your life, it is normal to grieve.
The same intense feelings can occur from the many different losses are experience in our life. Grieve your loss in your own way and own time. There is no right way to grieve and no set duration.
Let others help you. Talk about what you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to show what you’re feeling. If you don’t talk about what you’re experiencing, it will be difficult for others to understand.
“Why” or “Why me” is not important - Deal with what’s happening right now and how to get through it.
Expect setbacks. . . and remember it will get better.
FEELINGS AND REACTIONS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE:
You may be confused or worried by some of the physical and mental reactions you experience. Although these reactions can be distressing and cause you discomfort, they are part of a normal stress reaction to a traumatic event.
Sleep disturbance or bad dreams
Repetitive thinking about the event
Being irritable or “jumpy”
Loss of concentration
Get Help 🆘
Talk to a Counselor
Let an adult know you're struggling
Ask for what you need
Read 📖
Take Action: What can I do?
Check-in with your School Counselor or Therapist!
Remember that grief doesn't have to look a specific way and that it isn't linear
Talk with someone you trust
Exercise, play sports
Listen to favorite music or music that reminds you of the person who dies
Find a way to have some fun, laugh, see a funny movie or TV show
Make a list of your strengths, things you like about yourself
Volunteer (i.e.: animal shelter, hospital, school, etc.)
Take a walk at the beach or somewhere in nature
Wash your face with cool water
Scream into a pillow or into a backpack
Paint or draw a picture
Journal, write a poem or letter
Call a grief support line
Recognize that some things will never make sense
It’s O.K. to cry - and it’s O.K not to cry