Healthy Ways of Getting Through the Grieving Process
By Camille Johnson
Grieving in the wake of a loss — whether it is for a loved one (including a pet), a relationship, a job or career, or even a material object — is a completely natural reaction. It's also necessary; those who suppress or deny their grief often find themselves with cognitive dysfunction such as "brain fog" and confusion as well as stress and anxiety. Unexpressed grief and anger can even result in physical illness. Although there is no scientific evidence for a direct link between negative emotion and specific diseases, emotions such as chronic depression or sadness can impair immune function or lead to hypertension or digestive problems, leaving a person more vulnerable to illness.
This is why dealing with grief in a healthy manner is important for one's mental as well as physical health. Even with cultural rituals surrounding loss and grieving, most of us must deal with it as best we can. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to work through the grieving process. Today, Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland shares some of them.
Stages of Grief
In 1969, psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five stages of the grieving process:
Shock and denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
To these, thanatologist David Kessler has proposed "Meaning" as a sixth stage. As individuals, our power lies in acceptance and symbolic interpretation of the loss. In the meantime, however, it is important to work through the first four stages in a healthy way.
Self-Care
This is the most important aspect of working through the grieving process and requires you to be mindful of your own mental and physical state. Because of the impact of strong negative emotions on the physical body, healthy eating and exercise are paramount. This also includes getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight. The latter is especially important for the production of Vitamin D as well as overall well-being.
There is some evidence that the use of herbs and supplements such as St. John's Wort, medical marijuana, and magnesium in topical gels and massage oils such as Alka12 are helpful for emotional healing as well.
Self-care also means attending to your own emotional and psychological health. One aspect of emotion is known as "spiraling"; one thought leads to another, either lifting you toward peace and happiness or pulling you down into anger and despair. A good way to lift yourself emotionally is to engage in activities you enjoy. This may include going back to school and learning new skills or earning the degree you've always wanted. Online education programs make it convenient to get your degree from home on your own schedule. If your goal is a degree, make certain the institution is accredited, and shop around for the lowest tuition rates.
Meditation is also good for maintaining emotional health, as such practices empty the mind, stopping downward emotional spiraling.
Your Support Network
It is vital during the grieving process to have a group of family and friends with whom you can spend time with. Chances are many of them have been through similar experiences and can offer helpful perspectives. If nothing else, these friends and loved ones can provide emotional support during this difficult time.
A support network can also include companion animals. If you have ever considered adopting a dog or cat, this can be a good time to do it. If necessary, you may be able to register your pet as an emotional support animal.
Remember that grieving is a natural part of loss. Do not feel pressured by others to "just snap out of it." Focus first on your own well-being and second on loved ones (human and animal) who will support you on your journey through the process.
