Find Comfort in Times of Grief

The grieving process is what many people go through after they have experienced a loss. Grief can accompany a physical loss (such as a death), social loss (such as divorce), or even occupational (such as job loss).

Grief can be painful, confusing and may bring complex emotions such as anger, sadness, guilt, and despair, among many others. While grief is unique to each one of us it is important to find ways to take comfort in this time.  Here are a few ways to find comfort in the midst of your grieving process.

Turn to Family and Friends

Family and friends can be a strong source of comfort and support during times of grief. The role of family and friends can help provide the physical and emotional support. All of which can be ways that help that can help  when you are moving through grief and loss.

This type of support primarily includes open communication. This  allows for the expression of feelings and thoughts to help facilitate the loss a person is experiencing.

Turn to Your Faith

Whether you are religious or not there is something most all people feel connected to. Whether is it nature, organized faith or an innate belief.  Turning to your faith when grieving can be incredibly helpful.

One’s spiritual beliefs can be a powerful source of comfort during times of grief. One way spirituality can offer support is by offering a greater meaning or purpose for an experienced loss. Many find hope in the belief that the passing of a loved one or loss of a job is linked to a higher purpose. It can be a positive way to give their grief or parts  of it to a higher place. And a belief in all things work together for the good in the end.

Spirituality 

Spirituality often acts as another good way for helping to cope with grief as many religions have certain practices or rituals that allow for the sharing of emotions/feelings and the gathering of community which often supports people who are dealing with grief. For instance, prayer or meditation is a common spiritual practice that can help people release and process emotions.

Reading spiritual texts can provide words of peace and reassurance during times of sorrow and grief. While attending services (in-person/virtual) or having a peer group associated with your spiritual belief can offer community support during times of grief that can uplift and encourage (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).

Seek Professional Help

Therapists are well-trained professionals who possess skills and tools to help individuals go through the grieving process. It can be challenging to sort through the thoughts and emotions that accompany grief alone.

On a personal note talk therapy is one of the best things you can do to help move through grief.

Consulting a professional provides a safe space to help you release pent up feelings, process through emotions, and develop healthy strategies for navigating grief and sadness following a loss (Epstein, 2019). Therapists don’t only have to be considered when someone is struggling with grief but can also be included as part of a normal grieving process to prevent difficulties and unhealthy methods of coping from arising.

Seek Uncommon Ways- Finding Comfort in Grief

Everyone’s grieving process is unique, so there should never be pressure to grieve the way another person does, especially if that way of grieving does not work for you. For some, turning to physical activities such as hiking, or kickboxing provides a physical outlet for the release of negative emotions tied to grief that helps them release and heal.

Art Healing

For other people, more artistic forms of coping such a painting or writing prove to be good ways to help them find comfort and peace as they grieve the particular loss in their lives. What is most important is finding the method that works best for you, even if it looks different from someone else’s.

Solace for Finding Comfort in Grief

Grief can be incredibly overwhelming. In the midst of chaos there is comfort in a little solace. It is possible to get comfort with a little alone time. Sit in nature, read, get out and walk. These are ways to have some alone time to process your grief.

Concluding Ways to Find Comfort in Grief

Ultimately, grief is a complex process that looks different for everyone. Each person has to find the method or combination of methods and support to help them process what they feel and find comfort so that they can begin to move forward.

References:

Delalibera, M., Presa, J., Coelho, A., Barbosa, A., & Franco, M. H. (2015). Family dynamics during the grieving process: A systematic literature review. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 20(4), 1119-1134. doi:10.1590/1413-81232015204.09562014

Epstein, S. (2019, August 20). Family grief: Five keys to grieving well together. In Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-the-generations/201908/family-grief-five-keys-grieving-well-together

Harvard Health Publishing. (2019, September 24). Easing grief through religion and spirituality. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/easing-grief-through-religion-and-spirituality

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR. (n.d.). Definition of grief. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24274