We Asked Our IDONTMIND Community How You Coped With Grief. Here's What You Said.
OUR INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS SHARE 11 POWERFUL WAYS TO OVERCOME LOSS AND GET ON A PATH TO HEALING
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Grief is the emotional pain of losing something or someone you love. It’s that numbness, sadness, anger, regret, and pain that you feel as you attempt to process your emotions. The grieving process is extremely difficult because there’s no easy way to get rid of the suffering. And unfortunately, it’s something that all of us will face in our lives.
A small bright side? Because it’s a universal experience, we can help each other get through it.
We asked our Instagram community: What’s one thing that helped you cope with grief and loss? If you feel like you’re never going to be able to heal after losing someone you love, here are a few things that helped the IDONTMIND community through the grieving process.
We hope these tips can help you too.
Take things one day at a time
“Have a ‘just for today’ mindset. Just for today, I’m going to remember them, miss them, but continue to live.” — @logannesci
Talk about it
“Talk about the person you miss! Keep them alive by talking about them, what they meant to you, the big and small moments you’ve shared together.” — @_jayfeather
Write about it
“It’s tough every day, but I love to write about them.” — @mrs_bella_bane
“I wrote her a letter to tell her everything I wished I could tell her, and finally I wrote her to say goodbye.”
Give therapy a try
“Go to therapy. I didn’t know how much I needed it.” — @thoughtleslie
“I went to see a counselor at my Dad’s hospice who specifically specialized in bereavement. It helped so much.” — @christina.greenland_x
Surround yourself with supportive people
“It’s helpful to have beautiful people in your life that help you keep your loved one’s memory alive and that make space for your pain and continue to love you through it.” — @eringiachinta
Find your happy place
“Honestly, do anything that makes you smile. For me, it’s drinking coffee, for my sister it’s painting. Whatever gives you the motivation to make it through the day. And nothing is stupid if it brings you a little bit of joy” — @stray_cat_cole
“Truly and honestly relax. Just get in your most comfortable setting and do whatever you feel is best for you.” — @trinthewind
Get some fresh air
“I found myself taking lots of walks after my mom passed away. It’s nice getting fresh air and having a reminder of all the life around us.” — @anna_vreeling
Help others with their grief
“I’ve found comfort in telling my story to those going through grief and knowing I’m helping them. I like to encourage others and help them understand that grief isn’t forever.” — @glposadas
Work towards acceptance
“It’s really important that we accept the feeling of grief. We don’t have to push it away like it’s something unnatural, cause in that case it will be a pressed feeling inside of us. It’s okay to be sad, angry, or not expressive at all during grieving. It’s important that you don’t ignore it. Once you accept it as something normal and let yourself feel it, it will be easier for you to heal.” — @_elzax
“I did everything I could for them, I loved them the best way I could, I cherished them in life and I can continue to do so now.” — @taminejraige
“Realizing acceptance doesn’t mean you like it or approve of it.” — @g.graceeeeee
Understand that grief comes in waves
“It’s okay to feel super sad one day and joyful the next day. Or to be better every day but then three months later feel intense desperation again. The five stages of grief are only a guideline, each stage can and will collide with the others and not necessarily in the ‘right’ order.” — @fan_ny_d
“Remind yourself that there will be good hours and not-so-good hours. It’s okay to have moments — even when the loss is fresh — that feel happy. Mostly, I had to remind myself that there is no wrong way to grieve. You just have to go where it takes you and trust that it won’t kill you.” — @purplefly_photo