I know that trying to avoid my pain will only prolong my grieving; therefore, I make time to really face all my feelings.
I cry often and am afraid I won’t ever be able to stop.
I feel as if I have to be strong for others, so I focus on taking care of them instead of myself.
Journaling and other creative outlets help me explore and express what I’m feeling.
I don’t feel much interest in activities that I used to really enjoy.
I don’t want to burden my friends and loved ones with my grief so I put on a smile and hide what I’m really feeling.
I draw comfort from meditation, prayer and spending time in nature. These activities help me take a more spiritual view of my situation.
In order to better handle my grief, I try to get enough sleep, eat well and avoid numbing my pain with alcohol or other substances and behaviors.
I have trouble falling asleep and, when I do, my sleep is restless and I wake up feeling tired.
Although my feelings are all over the place and sometimes I feel as if I am “going crazy,” I know that this is a normal response to loss.
I feel empty inside and am not sure anymore what point there is in going on.
Although I am still deeply grieving, I worry that I should be over it by now, or that others think I should have moved on already.
I have a support group, coach or counselor, along with the support of my friends and family, to help me work through my intense emotions and overcome obstacles to my grieving.
How Are You Coping?
You still have a real smile!
The smile is forced!
There are no smiles to be found!
