The death of a loved one can often send you on a dangerous grief tailspin that can make you feel out of control and depressed. Losing someone close to you is bound to cause sadness and acute grief, and the length of each individual's grief process is different. Engaging in grieving exercises that allow you to acknowledge and work through your feelings of grief and sadness can help you to see your grief as healthy and helpful and find outlets to feel happy once again.
Write a Letter
Writing a letter to the person that you've lost can help you express the feelings that you weren't able to, and this can give you closure as well as the ability to say goodbye, says Victoria Lemle Beckner and John B. Arden in their book, "Conquering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." Many people are more comfortable in written correspondence than in verbal, so allow yourself to write down all that you're feeling and everything you might say if your loved one were still with you. You can read it aloud or tuck it away to read at a later date.
Visit the Location
When you aren't able to see a loved one that you lost, you may feel a large void in your life. Whether your loved one left or passed away, you can recapture the feelings that you had when she was with you by visiting a place that you frequented together. For instance, maybe she enjoyed going to the duck pond each week. Go there and enjoy the presence that you may feel while there, and take time to go over some of your best memories. Think of the place as a sanctuary, and go there anytime you feel upset.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a helpful way to give back and feel as though you're making a difference. Choose an organization that was close to your loved one, notes grief website Mom's Halo. Perhaps he was involved with the Red Cross or Boy Scout program. Call the program and ask if you can offer your services as a volunteer. When you go to an event or go to help someone , dedicate your volunteer service. It allows an upsetting experience to ultimately become a positive one; through your grief, you're able to help others and make a difference.
Make a Remembrance Book
Organizing mementos, memories and pictures of your loved one can help you give them remembrance in your home, and this can be a therapeutic experience. Gather together the remnants of your loved one's life that you have left and assemble them into a book or box. This is especially helpful for children. HopsiceSupportCare.org offers a remembrance booklet for children to fill out in order to combat their grief after losing a parent. The book offers ways for children to write or draw their feelings in a constructive and healthy way.
References
- "Conquering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder"; Victoria Lemle Beckner, John B. Arden; 2008
- Mom's Halo: Grief Exercises
- HospiceSupportCare.org: Grief Exercise Booklet
