I’m in Deep Grief: Where Do I Start?

Grief is a powerful feeling that many people experience after a significant loss. It’s commonly associated with sadness, but you may also feel anger, hopelessness, or like nothing will ever be the same. These emotions can be so strong that you might even feel paralyzed or unsure what to do next.

Kathleen Logan, FNP-C, understands how painful grief can be, and she regularly works with patients to establish healthy coping techniques at Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts. If you’re struggling with deep grief, here are four things you can do to begin the healing process.

1. Allow yourself to feel

The emotions associated with grief, such as sadness, anger, and guilt, are some of the hardest ones to face. The mental toll they take often makes it tempting to distract or numb yourself from them, but masking the pain only causes it to build over time. 

Instead of turning away from your feelings, embrace them. Admitting to yourself that grief is painful doesn’t make you weak or less of a person, but rather it displays your humanity. Grief is like the tide in that it comes and goes. It doesn’t define you, and working with a qualified professional like Kathleen can make it easier to navigate these ups and downs.

2. Practice self-care

When you’re in the midst of grief, completing routine activities like taking a shower or exercising can seem impossible. Even so, small acts of self-care can help you start making your way out of the darkness. 

For example, drinking water throughout the day, eating regular meals, and following a consistent sleep schedule can provide your brain and body the fuel it needs to begin healing. These practices can also make tough emotions easier to manage, so you don’t feel so overwhelmed. 

3. Turn to others for support

People struggling with grief often report feeling isolated and alone. Many even say they avoid talking to friends or family during these periods, because they don’t want to burden them.

While this response is understandable, humans are social creatures. Interacting with loved ones can help take your mind off of what’s bothering you and make it easier to gain perspective or feel less consumed by grief.

Even if you don’t have friends or family nearby, support is available in every community. That could mean visiting a faith institution, attending a local community group, or joining an online meetup for people going through similar experiences. 

Partnering with a counselor can be just as beneficial. It provides a shoulder to lean on and also teaches you skills you can use to navigate this challenging chapter in your life.

4. Give yourself time

Grief affects everyone differently. Some people can bounce back within a few weeks or months, but for others, healing takes longer. Remember that you aren’t on a deadline. Healing looks different for everyone, and rushing through it could make things worse. You aren’t obligated to “move on” quickly.

Don’t forget that grief is a personal process. You may feel like you’ve made more progress some days than others, and it’s normal to experience setbacks. The most important thing is to give yourself grace. Your grief won’t last forever, even if it feels that way at times.

We can help you cope with grief

Grieving the loss of someone or something you love is one of the most difficult things humans face. But there’s hope! Healing is possible, and it begins by taking one small step, like reaching out for professional help.

If you’re struggling to cope with deep grief on your own, request an appointment online or call the Broderick Healthcare office at 617-905-1978 to support your healing journey.