How to Move on from Past Grief?

September 04 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 299 Views

Grief is a powerful, often overwhelming emotion that stems from the loss of someone or something significant in our lives. Overcoming prior grief or loss can be a challenging and very personal process that can be fraught with tension, anxiety, concern, and even PTSD or complex PTSD symptoms. Each individual's path to healing is unique, but there are strategies and support systems that can help navigate this difficult process.

Understanding Grief and Loss

Grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It might show up as a variety of symptoms, such as psychological, physical, or emotional ones. The grieving process can be complicated, especially when dealing with unexpected or traumatic losses. In some cases, grief can lead to long-term mental health challenges such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and complex PTSD, which involve re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in beliefs and feelings, and heightened arousal or reactivity.

Recognizing the Impact of Grief

The first step in moving on from past grief is acknowledging and understanding its impact on your life. Grief can cause a range of emotions, from deep sadness and anger to guilt and confusion. It can also lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. Recognizing these effects is crucial in addressing and managing them effectively.

The Role of Individual Counselling

Individual counselling is an invaluable resource for those struggling with grief. A trained therapist can provide a safe space to explore and process your emotions. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), for instance, can help you reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. For those experiencing PTSD or complex PTSD, specialized therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be particularly beneficial.

Platforms like TalktoAngel offer access to a wide range of counselling services, connecting individuals with experienced therapists who specialize in grief and trauma. These online counselling services provide flexibility and convenience, making it easier for individuals to seek help from the comfort of their own homes.

Coping Strategies for Managing Grief

Permit Oneself to Cry: Give yourself the go-ahead to experience and communicate your feelings. Bottling up feelings can prolong the grieving process and exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Create a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who can offer a listening ear and emotional support. Online or in-person support groups can also foster a feeling of belonging and understanding.
Establish a Routine: Maintaining a routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability during turbulent times. Incorporate activities that bring you comfort and joy, whether it's exercise, reading, or spending time in nature.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This can include mindfulness practices, yoga, or simply taking time to relax and unwind.
Seek Professional Help: If grief becomes overwhelming and starts to interfere with daily life, seeking professional help is essential. Therapists can provide tools and techniques to manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and complex PTSD, helping you to navigate the grieving process more effectively.

Moving Forward with Hope and Resilience

Moving on from past grief does not mean forgetting the person or thing you lost; rather, it involves finding a way to live a fulfilling life despite the loss. This process requires time, patience, and self-compassion. Here are some steps to help you move forward with hope and resilience:

Set Realistic Goals: Focus on small, achievable goals that can provide a sense of accomplishment and progress. This could be as simple as taking a walk every day or starting a new hobby.
Cultivate Gratitude: Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what you've lost to what you still have. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
Honor Your Loved One: Find meaningful ways to honor and remember your loved one. This could be through creating a memorial, engaging in activities they enjoyed, or participating in charitable work in their name.
Embrace New Experiences: Open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities. This can help create new memories and provide a sense of purpose and direction.
Practice Patience: Healing from grief is not linear and can take longer than expected. Accept that you are human and that having good and terrible days is normal. Have patience with yourself.

The Support of TalktoAngel

TalktoAngel is a valuable resource for those seeking support in their journey of moving on from past grief. With a network of professional therapists specializing in individual counselling, PTSD, complex PTSD, and other mental health challenges, TalktoAngel provides accessible and personalized care. The platform offers a variety of services, including online counselling sessions, support groups, and self-improvement resources, making it easier for individuals to find the help they need.

Grief is a challenging and deeply personal experience, but with the right support and strategies, it is possible to move forward with hope and resilience. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and platforms like TalktoAngel are here to support you every step of the way.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Ms Mansi, Counselling Psychologist

References

American Psychological Association. “Grief: Coping with the Loss of Your Loved One.” American Psychological Association, 1 Jan. 2020, www.apa.org/topics/families/grief.
Harvard Health Publishing. “How to Overcome Grief’s Health-Damaging Effects Harvard Health.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health, 15 Feb. 2021, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-overcome-griefs-health-damaging-effects
Shear, M. Katherine. “Grief and Mourning Gone Awry: Pathway and Course of Complicated Grief.” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 14, no. 2, June 2012, p. 119, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3384440/.
Zisook, Sidney, and Katherine Shear. “Grief and Bereavement: What Psychiatrists Need to Know.” World Psychiatry: Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), vol. 8, no. 2, June 2009, pp. 67–74, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2691160/, https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2009.tb00217.x.