There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Death is inevitable and grief is the price we pay for the gift of human connection. Our grief experiences are as individual as our fingerprint. Some grieve outwardly and expressively while others grieve inwardly and privately. Because grief brings such intense emotions, it can be difficult to understand expressions unlike our own. Shared grief, such as the loss of a prominent celebrity, can be just as devastating as the loss of a close friend or family member. There are no rules to who and how to grieve. Here are a few tips to help you process your own grief or to help a friend:
- Show compassion to yourself and others.
- Refrain from using cliches to comfort those who are grieving. They might make you feel better but it can invalidate the experience of others.
- Unplug. Protect your peace.
- Engage in healthy distractions.
- Allow yourself to feel. Emotions give us pertinent information about how we’re doing internally.
- Set boundaries. It’s perfectly ok to let friends and family know what you want to talk about.
- Practice self-care and repeat.
Symptoms of grief can turn into trauma, complicated grief, anxiety, or depression if left unattended. Even in instances of celebrity death, there can be a true sense of loss so take care of yourself. Connect to those around you and take one moment at a time. Be well.