Dealing With Sorrow and Mourning

As we watch the number of Covid-19 deaths increase daily, unfortunately many of us are dealing with the grief that comes along with losing a loved one.  We are also all managing the grief that is associated with not being with our family and friends as we would like.  

This grief is especially difficult this year, when many are also feeling overwhelmed by global and national events.  It is important to pay attention to our feelings and take care of ourselves during this time.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”

Helen Keller

Here are some ideas on coping with our sorrow:

• Take care of yourself: eat right, schedule some time for exercise and get plenty of rest
• Decide what you can comfortably handle, and let your family, friends and relatives know your needs.
• Get organized with what you need to accomplish and when.
• If you find things are not going well, set limits and only do the things that are most important to you.
• Plan your events ahead of time. Having a schedule of activities relieves some tension and allows you to look forward to the activities.
• Try to connect with the people you enjoy being around. This year, you may opt to join them via video chat or just over a phone call, but the connection is still important.
• If you feel the need to cry, remember tears are an honest expression of love and emotion.

“To weep is to make less the depth of grief.”

William Shakespeare

Do not let feelings of depression and sadness control your life. Get help to manage your symptoms. Learn to feel comfortable talking about your difficult emotions. Take care of your mind and body by giving it the food, rest and activity it needs. Do not be afraid to treat yourself to the things you enjoy more often. Aim to get out of the funk you may be feeling and to experience life to the fullest.

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”

Winnie the Pooh