Loss means many things, losing your keys, losing a job to someone else where you thought that you had done great at an interview, but loss can also come in the form of a friend, a loved one, a person who you care for.
For those of you who care for individuals who are on end of life care, it may be expected and you are prepared for it, but for others it comes out of the blue hitting you like a bolder and nothing prepares you for this. In the current climate of COVID 19, we are aware that death rates have increased we hear it on the news but nothing prepares you for the sudden loss of someone you have built a relationship with or a loved one and that is why I wanted to focus on loss this week.
Loss can be extremely painful. It is filled with unexpected emotions such as shock, anger and disbelief. The pain of grief can make it difficult to sleep, eat and continue with your working day. Many of us will have experienced loss or grief and know the time it takes to accept what has happened. While grieving a loss is an inevitable part of life, there are ways to help cope with the pain, come to terms with your grief, and eventually, find a way to pick up the pieces and move on with your life.
1. Acknowledge your pain.
2. Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions.
3. Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you.
4. Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you.
5. Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.
6. Recognise the difference between grief and depression.
Your counsellor at PCS is here to support you and listen to you if you have experienced loss and you are grieving. You do not have to get through this process alone. Those individuals that you care for on a daily basis remember the care, empathy and time that you give to them. You are amazing for the care that you give to those who require it and I am here to care for you.
