How To Deal With Grief When It Feels Like It's Consuming You

Everyone will experience grief at least once in their lifetime. Loss impacts us all, but that never makes it easier to go through. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or you’re grieving the loss of a pet, a job, or even a certain way of life, grief can feel overwhelming. 

While most people have heard of the stages of grief, it can often feel easier said than done to work through them. That’s especially true when it seems like grief is consuming you. 

If the grief you’re going through is preventing you from fully living, and it’s having a negative impact on your quality of life, know you’re not alone. Grief is normal, but it doesn’t have to control you forever. 

With that in mind, let’s cover a few ways you can effectively deal with grief when it feels like it’s consuming you. 

Take Care of Yourself

Self-care might be the last thing on your mind right now. You might even think it’s selfish to take care of yourself when you should be constantly focusing on who/what you’ve lost. 

But, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a necessity. 

If you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, think about how they would want you to live. They wouldn’t want you to suffer or neglect your basic needs. Use that as motivation to practice self-care every day. 

You don’t need to do anything extravagant or luxurious. Instead, focus on small tasks that can make a big difference. That includes things like exercising, getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and socializing with others. 

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Speaking of socialization, make sure you’re getting out and spending time with people you love. Now is the time to lean on your support system. 

While it can be tempting to isolate yourself and spend more time alone, that often makes the symptoms of depression and grief worse. It gives you the opportunity to get “stuck” inside your negative thoughts, and they can start to weigh heavier on you when you feel like there’s no one who can help you and no one to listen. 

You might be surprised to find that some of your loved ones feel the same way as you do. They might be struggling to reach out, too. So, making that first move can benefit you – and perhaps others. 

Reach Out for Help

If you feel like you can’t open up to the people in your life for whatever reason, it’s worth it to seek out the help of others. One option is to join a support group, either in-person or online. 

Connecting with other people who are also feeling overwhelmed by grief can be a big help. Not only will it help you realize you’re not alone, but it can make it easier to see a light at the end of the tunnel. While many people in support groups are in the early stages of grief and could be suffering just as much as you, others have gotten through some of those stages and can offer their advice and support. Seeing how other people have thrived can give you a much-needed sense of hope. 

Alternatively (or additionally), you might consider talking to a mental health professional. Grief is painful, no matter what. But, a therapist can help you work through it and make sure you’re going through the stages in healthy ways. 

Grief doesn’t have to consume your every waking moment. If you feel like you’re not able to escape the crippling clutch of your own grief and you’re ready to reach out for help, feel free to contact us to set up an appointment for grief counseling.