Grief can happen at any time, and usually involves emotional pain. As a natural reaction to losing a loved one, the feelings can take over as you go through the 5 stages of grief, which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It’s important to know there is no right or wrong way to deal with grief. It’s a process and there are healthy ways to cope.

Smart Cremation helps individuals every day through advice in grieving. If you need help, you can trust the compassionate and professional Smart Cremation Family Arrangers to help you and your family through this difficult time. Give us a call at (503) 402-2578.

Here are 5 tips you may find helpful when grieving.

1.    Grief is work, requiring time and energy. The memories, meanings and fulfilled needs provided by the lost loved one take time to work through. It’s important to be patient with yourself.

It takes a large amount of both physical and emotional energy. The phrase “grief work,” coined by psychiatrist Erich Lindemann in the 1940’s, is the task and methods one goes through to resolve the grief.

2.    Let yourself enter the emotions of grief. Grievers tend naturally to avoid painful emotions. Losing someone close to you means you deserve to allow yourself to feel all of your emotions.

Some of these emotions may be upsetting. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel the full emotions. Grieving means you allow yourself to think and cry.

3.    Resume your life but leave time for grieving. Life treks forward. Be careful not to “throw yourself” into work or other activities. Doing this leaves too little time for the grief work needed and can lead to your emotions demanding your attention.

As the passing of your loved one becomes a reality, the emptiness and loneliness begins to take shape.  Grief may feel the heaviest in this stage. You may feel weak, have trouble sleeping, lose focus, or feel tired. It helps to accept your feelings and remain open to grief.

4.    Don’t neglect your own health and well-being. Grieving can create a heavy amount of stress, which can take a toll on your mind and body. Continue to eat right, exercise and get enough sleep.

5.    Grief work can become complex. Positive and negative feelings, unsettled emotional confusion and losing someone after a quarrel can complicate the grieving process. Sharing these feelings with a professional can help. Even if you don’t see yourself as someone who seeks therapy, this may be helpful.