Journaling and other creative outlets help me explore and express what I’m feeling.
I know that trying to avoid my pain will only prolong my grieving; therefore, I make time to really face all my feelings.
I don’t feel much interest in activities that I used to really enjoy.
I cry often and am afraid I won’t ever be able to stop.
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.
I have trouble falling asleep and, when I do, my sleep is restless and I wake up feeling tired.
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.
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.
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 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 feel empty inside and am not sure anymore what point there is in going on.
I feel as if I have to be strong for others, so I focus on taking care of them instead of myself.
I draw comfort from meditation, prayer and spending time in nature. These activities help me take a more spiritual view of my situation.
How Are You Coping?
You still have a real smile!
The smile is forced!
There are no smiles to be found!
