[ask a professional]

You are not alone!

The following thoughts might help; people who have been where you are now share these same beliefs:

  1. I believe grief is a process that involves a lot of time, energy and determination.  I won’t “get over it” in a hurry, so don’t rush me!
  2. I believe grief is intensely personal.  This is my grief.  Don’t tell me how I should be doing it.  Don’t tell me what’s right or what’s wrong.  I’m doing it my way, in my time.
  3. I believe grief is affecting me in many ways.  I am being affected spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and mentally.  If I’m not acting like my old self, it’s because I’m not my old self and some days even I don’t understand myself.
  4. I believe I will be affected in some way by this loss for the rest of my life.  As I get older, I will have new insights into what this death means to me.  My loved one will continue to be part of my life and influence me until the day I die.
  5. I believe I am being changed by this process.  I see life differently.  Some things that were once important to me aren’t any more.  Some things I used to pay little or no attention to are now important.  I think a new me is emerging, so don’t be surprised – and don’t stand in the way.
  6. If you need help, see this.

The Journey