Dealing with Loss as an Adult (Part 2)

Welcome back to the second half of this two-part series on dealing with loss as an adult. Last time we covered how children are supported when handling loss but the burden of self control and responsibility is heavy on an adult who feels the same way after a personal tragedy. We talked about how different people express their grief in different ways and how it's okay to do so in order to heal. The second half is about helping yourself to recover through physical recuperation, time, and counseling.

Powerful emotions can take a surprising amount of extra energy, so don't be surprised if you find yourself exhausted. This is not depression and it's okay to schedule a few extra hours to sleep while you're going through the emotional process. Afternoon naps and heading to bed early in the evening will give you plenty of time to rest up while still taking care of your adult responsibilities like work, personal relationships, and caring for your children if you have any.

While it's very healthy to make room in your life for dealing with the sadness, don't let it take over. Keeping up your daily routine and taking good care of yourself will actually make you feel better and keeps you from losing track of the other aspects of your life. If you need a little extra energy, try spending a little extra time on yourself. Luxuriate in washing your hair, and take time for skin treatment and moisturizer. You may be surprised how much this helps you.

If you're still having trouble moving forward after a week or two, talking to a professional counselor may be a good decision. Many adults seek a few sessions of therapy for guidance in dealing with difficult life changes. It's possible that there's an element of closure you're missing, and speaking to your counselor can help you sort out any remaining issues that are getting in the way of completing your acceptance of the loss. By following their advice, you can bring yourself one step closer to restarting your life on the other side of your grief.

Every loss is a deeply personal experience, but it doesn't have to be a completely private one. No matter why you're experiencing feelings of grief, it's important to face your emotions, take good care of yourself, and seek guidance if you feel overwhelmed. Everyone goes through at least one major loss in their adult life, and they get through it the same way you can. If you have recently experienced a loss or have lingering feelings about an old painful event, contact me soon. I'm here to help.