To have a parent gone can be extremely traumatic, as many people report trouble sleeping, concentrating at work, and getting along with others
While bereavement is a deeply painful experience, losing a parent can be among the most profound losses you may never be able to overcome. However, according to experts, there are many self-care coping strategies, along with mindfulness practices, that can help you come to terms with your loss and the feelings that come with it.
Your biological parents give you life and raise you, shaping your lives in a really big way. And so, to have them gone can be extremely traumatic, as many people report trouble sleeping, concentrating at work, and getting along with others. Many times, research suggests losing a parent can also put you at a higher risk of numerous negative mental and physical health outcomes, including a higher likelihood of drinking alcohol, self-esteem issues, and an overall decline in happiness.
While there is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a parent, a few strategies can offer a starting place as you begin to acknowledge your loss.
Let yourself feel overwhelmed and emotional
For many people, a natural response to grief is to just suppress the difficult emotions that come up with it. It can either be an effort to “stay” strong”—become a workaholic, an alcoholic, or have many other distractions. However, ultimately, if you are never giving yourself space to feel, you may not be able to cope in the long run.
According to experts, it is important not to suppress feelings and compartmentalise them, as it can cause your unaddressed feelings to bubble up in outbursts or leave you closed off emotionally to the people around you. Give yourself time to grieve, as it can activate healing within your body.
Form a support system
Whether you lean on your friends or family members, make sure to form a group and seek therapy. Experts say it is imperative to have a solid support system, which can help you get over the initial grief. Choose your confidantes to help provide you with the listening ear that you need.
Take care of your well-being
According to doctors, grief can have a major impact on your daily life by constantly changing your mind and mood, causing sleep troubles, loss of appetite, and poor memory and focus.
And so, it is important that while you do feel pained at all times, you must make sure to take care of your health as well. It is important to find a balance and use distraction.
Pick up a task in their memory
Many people find that specific actions can help honour a deceased parent, which automatically can offer you a measure of comfort. Experts believe things like creating a small home memorial with photos and mementos, planting their favourite tree or flower in your backyard, or adopting their pet or plants can be a meaningful gesture that can make you feel closer to them.
Write a letter to your parent
There may be a lot of things you would have wanted to tell your parents but did not get time to say. You may also feel devastated by the fact that you could not share with them your secrets or solve an argument that you wanted to. And so, the best way to overcome this trauma is by writing a letter to them explaining and pouring your heart out.
Focus completely on what you wanted to say, things you regret, and what you hope to carry on as part of your legacy. According to experts, this gesture will bring a lot of comfort.
