Will this grief ever end? There is so much more grief in this past year than years prior. No matter your thoughts or beliefs on the pandemic, or the virus etc. There is no denying that people have had great losses this past year. We will get through it, eventually. There is collective grief, and personal grief. Grief over the death of a loved one, and grief over the losses that change our lives.

Controversy. I know there is a lot of controversy over “the numbers” however, the funeral homes, and hospitals have been overrun and over filled with the dead this past year. 

Grief is more than losing a loved one. So many have lost their homes, jobs and business. This kind of loss changes your whole world. Your whole life as you knew it, is now different, and usually for your loved ones as well. This can be almost as severe as the loss of a loved one. I don’t want to downplay the loss of a life. However, people need to know it’s okay to feel grief over the loss of a job, career or home etc. We still need to allow ourselves to feel it and go through that grief. Allow yourself to feel the emotions, express them in whatever way feels right for you, as long as it’s not harmful to yourself or others. Then you are better able to move on, when the time is right for you. 

Loss of any kind can cause grief. Please do not feel guilty or any shame for your feelings.

How to heal from grief. How we heal will look different for everyone. If you need help, please reach out. There are hotline numbers and textline numbers. You do not need to be suicidal to call. If you need to talk, get it off your chest or just vent. Those numbers are there for you. If you are feeling suicidal please let them know, or call 911.

It is helpful to let it out by crying, writing or even calling a trusted loved one. Lose yourself in a project or volunteering to help others. Hypnotherapy, other forms of therapy and treatments can be very helpful in healing. Please don’t suffer in silence, or numb your pain with substances. Self care with a healthy diet, exercise and getting enough sleep is important during stressful times or times of grief. Denying your pain, or trying to hide it can cause deeper issues both mentally and physically. 

Sometimes loss is a blessing in disguise. While its still important to allow the painful emotions, it may still be helpful to think of ways these losses may be positive in the long run. In one of my previous articles, I wrote about How 2020 Was a Good Year that shows what we can focus on to help shift the perspective. (after we grieve the personal losses)

In the case of the death of a loved one, it’s helpful to remember them full of life, remember the good times, and be thankful for the time they were with you in this life. They would want you to remember them laughing or doing what they love. They would want you to carry on, to live fully. Again, allow the hurt emotions – allow yourself to grieve, there is no perfect, or right amount of time. However, don’t let it ruin the rest of your life. If you feel there is unfinished business or wish there was something more you could have said or done, this is guilt on top of grief. You can talk to them as if they were still alive, or as if in a prayer. You might want to do this looking at their photo or in meditation. You are able to have a silent conversation in your minds eye or during hypnotherapy. Writing a letter and bringing it to the gravesite, or putting it behind a photo frame can help.

Not this past year, but I have lost a sister in my teens, a step-son, my father, and all my grandparents. A couple friends as well. It’s sad but I try to remember the good memories of them all. For a few of them that were suffering or in pain in any way, I am happy for their souls to be free from the suffering.

Greif in itself can be healed, but sadness over losses may never end. The emotions should be felt fully so you can then let go and not live your life there in the dark.

If you’re having difficultly please don’t suffer in silence, please reach out. There are so many types of therapy and treatments to help, it may take some time to find a good fit for you.

I always give a sample session in the consultation so you can see how hypnotherapy feels for you. Please always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I love hearing from you all. If you have any suggestions for any other article topics I’d love to hear. You may comment here, send an email, or send a message through the contact form on the home page.

Thank you so much for being here! Please take care, inside and out! Pamela Topjian LVN, CHt Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com