Loss
Change can be hard for anyone. It’s especially hard when that change involves losing something
or someone we care about. Whether
you’ve lost a job or opportunity, are going through a break-up, or are mourning
the death of a friend or a family member, it’s important that you take care of
yourself and know when to speak up.
It’s also important that we look out for our friends dealing with tough
losses. Here are some tips to
help:
It’s OK to Not Be OK
Sometimes we feel like we have to hold it all together –
especially when someone dies and we want to be strong for other family members
and friends. But holding
everything inside and not expressing your feelings can make it harder to cope
and heal. It’s normal to struggle
when dealing with loss in life, and it’s important you have someone you can
talk to about it. If you aren’t
able to talk to a friend or family member, visit your counseling center or a
counselor in your community. It
can really help just to talk to someone about what’s going on.
Good Coping, Bad Coping
It’s important to find healthy ways to cope with your
pain. This could include reaching
out to your support network, making time for exercise, getting out and doing
things you enjoy or expressing yourself through writing or art. It’s also important to recognize
unhealthy ways of coping. If you
notice that you or a friend are using alcohol or drugs to numb the pain,
staying home alone more often or constantly moving to avoid having to think
about things, you may need to find better ways to cope.
An Outside Perspective
Loss is hard on everyone, but if you find the pain
significantly interferes with your life over periods of weeks or months, it may
be time to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Loss can cause or worsen depression or other issues that may
require the support of a counselor or other mental health professional. Making an appointment doesn’t
mean you’re weak or sick, it just means you need an outside perspective and an
opportunity to focus on how you are feeling with someone who can help you deal
with those feelings.
An Important Conversation
If it’s your friend or family member that is struggling with
a loss, it’s important not to shy away from talking to or supporting them. If you notice someone you care about
coping in unhealthy ways or having a hard time functioning after a death or
break-up, it’s important not to ignore your concerns. Check
out tips for supporting a friend here or reach out to your counseling
center for advice on how to help.
