We all experience grief differently because the relationship we shared with our deceased loved one is unique to us.

Grief is a very personal journey, and it is important to understand that there is no timeline in which to grieve. Therefore, we should not allow the expectations of others, and society in general, to persuade us to be anyone other than our authentic selves while we grieve.

Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this painful experience.

Acknowledge how you feel to yourself: You can expect to experience a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, confusion, guilt or even relief. Accepting these emotions without judgement can be the first step towards healing.

Express how you feel: You will likely feel a sense of release and understanding if you do find a healthy outlet to express your emotions. However, this does not come easily to some people, even when they have supportive friends and family. If you do not feel comfortable sharing with those close to you, writing your thoughts in a journal can be helpful.

Rituals to remember: There are many things you can do to establish a way to honour the memory of your deceased loved one. Simply setting some time aside each day to reminisce about them with friends and family can be very comforting. It is my own experience that during these times, you may discover new stories about your deceased loved one that brings you comfort and joy.

Allow yourself to be happy: Feeling moments of happiness does not in any way lessen the significance of your loss, in fact it is an important step towards healing, as it acknowledges that life goes on.

Physical health: Mind and body are interconnected so grief can impact your physical health too. Try to eat healthy meals, get adequate sleep, and if possible regular exercise in fresh air. Patience and self-compassion are required and a willingness to embrace all emotions.

If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, please reach out.