Coping with LOSS.

Hello blogspot,

Today I was surfing the web again and found a useful article about coping with a loss. I will write down some of the pointers here and it might help someone.

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What does loss feel like?

It is normal for your reaction to a loss to change over time. Usually, at first you will have a feeling of numbness. You might also experience "denial," which means that you don't really believe or accept that the loss really happened.
After you have accepted that the loss is real, it is common to experience all kinds of very powerful feelings like anger and extreme sadness. It is also common to feel guilt in response to a loss, as if you should have done something to prevent the loss or should have been more caring or thoughtful before the loss happened. All of these feelings are normal.
It may take a long time, but eventually you will come to accept the loss. Slowly, over time, your feelings will become less intense and finally return to normal. No one can say exactly how long it will take to accept a loss, but give yourself time, and you will start to feel better each day.


Is there any way to avoid the painful feelings?

Painful feelings are always part of loss, but there are some things that can help you get through the experience. One of the most important things to remember is to take care of your health by eating, getting enough rest, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
If possible, try not to make any major decisions until you are feeling better, since you probably aren't thinking as clearly as you usually do. Expressing your feelings through talking, writing, music, art, or some other form of expression is often helpful. It can also help to stick to your usual daily routines. It is important to be patient with yourself. While it is impossible to predict exactly how someone will respond to a loss and how long the feelings will last, in most cases, people are able to adjust to loss and move ahead with their lives-in time.


What can I do to help someone through a loss?

Although it may not sound like much, just "being there" is the most important thing you can do to help someone who is coping with a loss. It may feel uncomfortable to be around someone who is experiencing something so difficult. You may feel helpless because there is nothing you can do to take away the pain. However, listening to the person's feelings, sharing memories, and helping with everyday things like preparing meals and doing errands can be extremely helpful. For someone who has suffered a loss, the presence of friends is an important reminder that the loss is only one part of his or her life, and that they are not all alone.


What if I don't start to feel better?

It is important to get professional help if you feel like you can't cope with the loss on your own. Some signs that you should seek professional help include:
~ Spending a lot of time alone, instead of with friends and family
~ Changes in sleeping or eating, or lack of interest in normal, daily activities
~ Using drugs and alcohol to numb your feelings
~ Doing risky things that you usually wouldn't do
~ Feeling like you want to harm yourself in any way

Anyone who feels that the pain from a loss is too much to handle should think about talking to a professional counselor. Counselors can be helpful when people feel they are having trouble getting over a loss. The most important things to remember about coping with loss are:
~ Be patient with yourself
~ Find healthy ways to let your feelings out
~ Let people who are close to you offer their support
~ See a counselor if you feel like you could use help with getting through your loss