Coping With Grief and Loss

We asked our Griever’s Journey coordinator, Nicola Loiselle, for some words of wisdom to share with our communities. Griever’s Journey is a quarterly program offered to all of our member Nations.

“Grief is a natural response to loss, and it affects individuals in various ways. Whether mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any significant life change, navigating through grief can be a challenging journey. However, there are strategies and techniques that can help individuals cope with grief and find healing in the process.”

Acknowledge your pain: The first step in coping with grief is to acknowledge the pain you're experiencing. It's okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and even relief. By acknowledging your pain, you give yourself permission to grieve and begin the healing process.

Accept the range of emotions: The first step in coping with grief is to acknowledge and accept the range of emotions one may experience. It's normal to feel sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief. Allowing oneself to feel these emotions without judgment is crucial for the grieving process.

Recognize your unique grieving process: Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone experiences grief differently. Some may find comfort in talking about their feelings, while others may prefer to process their emotions privately. Respect your own pace and journey through grief.

Seek face-to-face support: While online support and resources can be valuable, seeking out face-to-face support from people who care about you can be immensely beneficial. Whether it's friends, family members, or support groups, having a supportive network of people who understand and empathize with your grief can provide comfort and validation. If feelings of grief become overwhelming or interfere with daily functioning, it may be helpful to seek support from a therapist or counselor.

Support yourself emotionally and physically: Taking care of yourself physically can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being during times of grief. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise. Additionally, find healthy outlets for expressing your emotions, whether it's through journaling, art, or spending time in nature.

You can navigate through grief and embrace healing and renewal in the process. Remember, you're not alone, and there's strength in vulnerability and connection during times of grief.