Grief is a normal response to the loss of something important. We experience grief not just when we lose a loved one, it happens when we lose our social status, financial stability or significant relationships. For example, loss of a job, friendship, illnesses, missed special events and milestones.
Some common reactions to grief include:
Shock, disbelief, or denial
Anxiety
Distress
Anger
Periods of sadness
Loss of sleep and loss of appetite
Withdrawing from usual activities
There is no right or wrong way to go through grief. Do allow the grieving person time and space to readjust. Do not rush them to get over it.
Here are some actions that may be helpful for you if you are who are grieving the loss of a loved one:
Connecting with other people
Inviting people to call you or reaching out to them
Ask family and friends to share stories and pictures of the loved one with you via mailed letters, email, phone, or video chat or via apps or social media
Creating memories or rituals
Develop a virtual/physical memory book, blog, or webpage to remember your loved one, and ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories.
Take part in an activity that has significance to you and the loved one, such as travelling, sports and community service.
Asking for support from others
Sharing your experience and feelings with trusted family members, friends or community leaders
Seek spiritual support from your religious organization or leaders if applicable.
Seek out grief counselling, support groups or hotlines.
Expressing your grief
Some people find comfort in expressing their grief through art, gardening, writing, talking to friends or family, cooking, music, gardening or other creative practices
If you are grieving over the loss of a job, friendship, illnesses, missing special events and milestones, or other drastic changes in your life,
Acknowledge your losses and your feelings of grief. Remember that it is normal to feel sad and frustrated when we lose something that we treasure
Creating new alternatives to what has been lost. Focusing on the present and taking control over what you can. Such as enrolling in a job training program, participating in activities that allow you to meet up with new and existing friends, and engaging in self-care activities to boost the well-being of your body and mind.
Generally, people will come to accept the painful reality, gradually form new healthy meanings in their relationship with the deceased person, and progressively adapt to the changes in their lives. Some people may experience difficulties in doing so and they may be having complicated grief. Click here to find out more about it.
In the event that you experience emotions that are too overwhelming for you to cope, and you think you need immediate support, do not hesitate to get help from the following 24/7 support resources:
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Hotline: 1800-221-4444
CareText: https://www.sos.org.sg
Mental Health Crisis (Institute of Mental Health):
Hotline: 6389 2222
For immediate risk of harming yourself, Call 995 or approach the A&E department of your nearest hospital
Comments