Help For Loss & Grief

As a community partner in end-of-life, Delaware Hospice wants to reach out to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. While grief is very personal, there are many common experiences that accompany the death of a loved one.

Delaware Hospice offers an opportunity to support those who are grieving by breaking the isolation. Grief should not be a taboo subject. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. They are aching for you to tell them its okay to grieve and share in their journey.

Here are 6 helpful tips you may find helpful when trying to deal with loss and grief:

1. Give yourself the time to let grief run its course. The grieving process is personal to you and thus should go at your own speed. There isn’t a deadline set to feel a certain way. Remember, grief is not a one-time event, but a process and goes through cycles. Don’t put yourself on a timetable to be finished grieving. In reality, the grieving process may not end, but it will get easier over time.

2. Seek help outside of family and friends. Grief can feel very lonely, even when you have loved ones around. Often sharing your sorrow with others who have experienced similar losses, who are not your family, can help.

3. Continue to have a support system. Keep friends and family close, spending some time alone is fine, but long periods of isolation may not be. Allow loved ones and friends to share in your sorrow or simply be there when you cry.

4. Keep your life moving. There is comfort in routine, activities with friends and every day life. Do as much of this as you feel comfortable doing. When you are ready, consider trying a new activity. It can be a positive step forward in this new chapter in your life. You may also want to consider attending social events. If you feel like leaving early, you don’t have to give a reason. Do what feels right for you and others will understand.

5. Allow yourself to be happy and let humor into your world. It’s okay to allow yourself to enjoy moments of happiness. Don’t feel like you need to be sad all of the time. You can allow moments of happiness and even laughter and still grieve your loved one. Laughter truly can be helpful in the healing process and is a healing and healthy release.

6. Realize that what you may see as a “setback,” is natural and is okay. Grief is a journey. Even when you may feel you have begun to heal and re-engage in life, there will be times when your loss still hits you hard. Holidays, birthdays, or special dates can be difficult. Seeing a photo of your loved one, hearing stories about them, or visiting a place that was special to them can trigger grief to resurface. Don’t be too hard on yourself when this happens, or let these emotions frustrate you. It’s natural to still have grief resurface in these situations. Being compassionate with yourself is important.

No matter where you are in your grief journey, it is also important to know you are not alone. Delaware Hospice has both adult and children bereavement counselors available throughout the state. We’re here to help individuals and families navigate through grief in a way that is focused on coping and healing.

Delaware Hospice also offers a variety of workshops and meetings to our families and community as space permits free of charge. As a trusted community partner in end of life education and support, Delaware Hospice strives to provide quality healthcare services to our community. To learn more about our Bereavement program, call 302-478-5707 or visit our website www.delawarehospice.org.