This post discusses how mental fitness helps you become more resilient during a time of grief and loss

Finding support, staying mindful, and seeking help

You don’t need anyone to tell you there’s a lot going on in the world, some of it astonishing, painful, or difficult to process. Grief often comes as a natural response to a heavy situation, be it personal, professional, or political. The Hospice Foundation puts it succinctly: “Grief is a reaction to loss, and like a fingerprint, it is different for everyone.” What are the implications of grief on our emotional wellbeing and the path forward? How can practicing mental fitness help you become more resilient or adaptable when loss occurs? 

Understanding the effects of grief

A sudden and deep loss of a loved one, pet, relationship, or job can take its toll both physically and emotionally. Overall exhaustion or fatigue, trouble falling or staying asleep, and compromised immunity are some somatic symptoms that may present themselves during a time of grieving (WebMD). On a psychological level, heightened stress and anxiety, depressed mood, and loss of interest in activities are also commonly reported. Left unaddressed, these can turn into longer-term issues with digestion, pain management, and even heart health, so it’s crucial to pinpoint how grief is affecting you personally and seek proper support.

Find support and connection

Surround yourself with a community who will encourage and partner with you during a season of grieving. Support groups bring together individuals with similar challenges and allow them to process their experiences in a safe space. Even if you are not comfortable sharing in front of a room, lean on a trusted mentor, friend, or family member to prevent yourself from becoming isolated and overwhelmed.

Grief is a natural, appropriate response to a significant loss. In times of heightened stress, it can be hard to objectively recognize the impact that has on us, whether that reveals itself as difficulty concentrating, acting more impulsively, or frustration (High Focus Centers). Having people you trust around you can help you recognize how these difficult emotions are impacting you and how to work through them.

Holding someone’s hands in a gesture of comfort. Text reads grief is a natural, appropriate response to a significant loss.

Stay mindful

It’s wonderful if you already practice mindfulness regularly; otherwise, it can be beneficial to build that habit even during a time of grieving. Start by checking in with yourself – what kind of emotions are you feeling? What thoughts are running through your mind? Are there daily opportunities where you can find joy, even in small moments? Often, we acknowledge that there are different stages of grief and people may experience them in a different order. Rather than comparing your own experience or healing process with others, approach your thoughts with compassion and acceptance. Acknowledge those ideas as a step in the healing process, not the end of the story.

Should you find yourself dwelling on unhelpful or heavy thoughts, it may help to introduce new habits into your routine. For example, go for a walk outside and focus on observing the sights and sounds of the environment around you: are there birds singing? Dogs playing fetch with a ball? Listen to peaceful, meditative music, such as some we suggest in “Music for mental fitness” or develop a new self-care routine in the evening to promote better sleep. 

Seeking help

There’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about if you choose to pursue professional help. Loss is a major – and stressful – event and can cause significant mental and physical strain. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, or even prolonged grief disorder can detract from your quality of life. Grief counseling or therapy may help you identify sometimes complex feelings, navigate the grieving process, and honor cherished memories while being present in life now (CareFirst NY). 

Two women seated with coffee cups in a counselor’s office. Text reads counseling or therapy helps you identify complex feelings, navigate grief, and honor cherished memories.

Resources

In addition to community support, mindfulness, and professional help, below are some credible resources to reference or even share with others who are going through a difficult season: