Adult Grief

← GRIEF SUPPORT

The adult years can be some of the most busy in one’s life, with demands of work, child raising, caring for older family members, and more. When you are grieving, this stress level can be amplified.

Losing someone you love is difficult at any age, and you may feel a lot of very strong emotions surrounding the loss. At this stage in life, you grieve more than the person, you also mourn the loss of hopes and expectations that you may have had for that person. Grief can bring so many feelings, and everyone grieves differently. If you are grieving a family member, you may find that there are differences between how you and your spouse or other family members grief, and that is ok.

There is no timeline for grief. However, others may feel that after a certain time has passed, that you should “get over” your feelings. Your feelings of grief will change over time, and there is absolutely no timeline for when and how you should feel a certain way.

Self-care when grieving

Make time for yourself. Because of the many demands on you, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself. When you can, take the time to do things that bring you calm, peace, or happiness.

Take time to adjust. Go at a comfortable pace and be easy on yourself. There is no rush to do anything that you do not feel ready for. Grief is a journey with ups and downs, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.

Rely on your support system. Let family and friends know when you want to talk about your loss. When possible, accept their offers of help and company. Rely on friends and family who listen without judgment.

Maintain a routine. Routines provide a sense of comfort and security, especially for children. It can be helpful to maintain a daily schedule at work and with family when you feel it is time.

Take care of your health. Grief can be hard on your physical health. It can help to exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and try to get enough sleep. Let your healthcare provider know if you are having trouble taking care of your everyday activities, like getting dressed or fixing meals.

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