The experiences that come with grief aren’t easy. It changes almost every aspect of our lives. Of course it does; we’ve lost someone important and special, so the emotional toll is undoubtedly going to be a heavy one and deeply affect our mental health.
Know that you are not alone. Almost everyone that experiences grief understands how much it changes your psychological wellbeing. But knowing what to expect, and where to find mental health support can make all the difference in navigating this challenging path.
The Impact of Grief on Your Mental Health
It can be easy to forget just how much grief can affect your mental health. Unlike a need for glasses or a broken leg, our mental health isn’t on show for everyone to see. Because of this, it can make it more difficult to understand someone else’s and your own emotional and psychological challenges.
When we experience loss, whether it be the loss of a pet, a loved one or the end of a significant relationship, our emotional equilibrium is disrupted. This can lead to feelings of intense sadness, anxiety and depression. And with depression and anxiety comes even more symptoms you might not have originally thought of: difficulties in concentration and decision-making, issues with sleep and changes in appetite.
It’s important to know that all these feelings are normal and a natural response to loss. However, prolonged feelings of grief can exacerbate your mental health which is why it’s essential you seek support from friends, family and mental health professionals. It’s a difficult step to make, but one we promise will make all the difference in improving your mental health after loss.
Where You Can Find Help & Support
Finding someone that can help and support you during times of grief is an important part of the grieving process. You need to know that seeking help does not signify weakness; we are all human and we rely on a community in many ways for our survival. Being able to seek help demonstrates a willingness to prioritise and protect your mental health. Here are some places you can seek support:
Professional Counselling:
If you’re not yet ready to speak to a friend or family member about your mental health, speaking to a stranger might be your best first step. A trained therapist will provide a safe and supportive space so you can express your feelings openly without judgement. They’ll be able to give you advice on coping strategies and help you work through your grief by getting to know you and your emotional needs.
Support Groups:
Many find local support groups a vital resource for their mental health after loss. Have a look online and see if you can find a compassionate environment close to you. Here, you’ll be able to share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. It’s amazing how much group discussions and shared stories can make you feel less alone. You’ll also gain insights into copy strategies and ultimately feel a sense of community and validation that is essential in grief recovery.
Friends and Family:
We understand it’s not easy for everyone to talk to strangers about their mental health. If that’s the case, we urge you to talk to members of your family or your closest friends instead. It’s what they’re there for after all. You don’t even need to talk; just their presence can help offer a sense of comfort and connection and help to ease any feelings of isolation you might have. They can also share memories with you, helping to keep your loved ones alive, and offer encouragement and understanding which will make it easier for you to process your emotions in the long run.
The Role of Sue Ryder
Another amazing place to go for grief support is Sue Ryder, a charity that offers specialised services for those navigating bereavement. They provide one-to-one counselling, support groups and online resources to help individuals cope with loss. Founded by Sue Ryder herself in 1953, the charity has a compassionate approach and believes that addressing both our physical and emotional needs is the best way to get through this difficult time.
Their bereavement support services provide a safe and caring environment for individuals to share their unique experiences with grief, including their stories and feelings. In return, you’ll receive guidance on managing your emotions. They also have some fantastic online resources such as articles, guides and forums where you can connect with others who have experienced similar losses.
You can learn more about Sue Ryder and their range of bereavement services here.
Tips for Coping With Grief and Mental Health
Everyone’s journey through grief is different, but there are some things everyone can do to help maintain their mental health during this time.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: You need to allow yourself to experience the range of feelings that come with grief. Whether it be sadness, anger or those odd bursts of happiness, these are all useful emotions in overcoming your grief. Avoid supressing your emotions and instead express them by talking to trusted friends or even journalling.
Seek Professional Help: It’s a hard step to take, we know, but we also promise that seeking professional help to deal with your mental health following loss can be extremely beneficial. A mental health professional will help you develop some coping strategies and give you a safe space to process your emotions.
Establish a Routine: It’s okay if you need a few days on the sofa or in bed to yourself to process the initial stages of loss, but after a while, a healthy daily routine will make a huge difference in improving your mental health. The structure and sense of normalcy will help distract your mind from your loss, and as hard as it might be, try and incorporate activities that bring you comfort or joy, even if they seem small.
Practice Self-Care: During this time, you’re allowed to be a little selfish and prioritise your own self-care. Make sure you get adequate rest, eat nutritious meals and try to engage in some physical activity when you can – even if it’s just a walk. Again, include things you enjoy such as your favourite film, a face mask or a visit to your favourite store. All these things will help stabilise your mood and help you in the long run.
Connect with Support Networks: If reaching out to a professional therapist or a close friend or family member doesn’t feel possible yet, consider looking to local support groups or online communities for help. You’ll be able to share your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through, and if done online, you can still do it in the comfort of your own home.
Be Patient with Yourself: Last but certainly not least, you need to be patient with yourself. Grief doesn’t have a set timeline; it can manifest briefly for some and take longer for others. You need to be kind and patient with your body and mind and allow yourself to heal at your own pace. Know that it’s okay to have good days then bad days. It doesn’t mean things are getting worse, it simply means your grieving like any healthy human being.
How Memorial Jewellery Can Help
Another popular way to find comfort and solace during your experience with grief is to find a meaningful way to remember and honour your lost loved one. Here at Inscripture, we’ve made it our mission to create a stunning range of personalised memorial jewellery that encapsulates the essence of your loved one exactly how you want it.
Whether it’s a pendant containing a small portion of their ashes, a fingerprint impression engraved onto a charm or a piece of their handwriting decorating a bangle, we hope our memorial jewellery serves as a beautiful reminder of the love, memories and laughter shared with the departed.
We believe that wearing memorial jewellery can be an essential part of overcoming grief, especially helping to overcome some of the anxiety and depression that comes with it. It can bring a sense of closeness and continuity to your life and allow you to feel connected to your loved one, even after their passing.
Let our team create you a piece of customised memorial jewellery as unique as the relationship between you and your loved one. You can visit our full collection here or feel free to get in touch with our supportive team who are always on hand to help.
