There are many different types of grief. We grieve the loss of a loved one, but to an extent we grieve any loss. We may feel a sense of grief when our children leave home, or a friend moves away, when someone we love is terminally ill or dealing with an illness or condition which will leave them permanently changed. Losing the person we knew, and the future we expected, leads to a sense of loss. When a woman loses a baby, the whole family grieves for the loss of the baby, but also the loss of the life they were preparing for and dreaming of. Equally, when a woman learns she cannot have children, she might feel a sense of grief for a life she never had. You can even grieve the loss of a job. Here are some tips to help you live with your grief, and not let it consume you.

Get Help

Speak to your friends and family members about how you are feeling. Don’t feel you need to suffer alone. There are people that want to be there for you; you just need to let them. Consider speaking to a counselor or therapist. Counselors are great at building trusting relationships with their clients, which can then be used to find the best possible way to help you through your grief.

Let Yourself Be Sad

It’s ok to be sad. Whatever loss you are grieving, it’s ok. Let yourself be upset. It may take time before you feel normal again, and you might be forever changed. It’s important to accept this, and allow yourself the time you need. You may have months or perhaps years of feeling ok, and then a small reminder will upset you. That’s ok too.

Laugh

Many people, when they are experiencing grief, feel guilty if they laugh or have fun. Don’t. It’s good to laugh. It doesn’t mean you have forgotten. Let yourself find peace in happy times. It doesn’t mean you don’t care.

Love

Take solace in those you love. Let your grief be a reminder of how important love is. Allow them to help you, and just enjoy them. Take positives from an awful thing; you may find it brings you closer together.

Be Honest

It’s incredibly important, to not only be honest with others, but to be honest with yourself. Recognize your feelings, and be honest with yourself. Don’t try and feel how you think you should. There is no reason to hide way, or be ashamed of your feelings. The fact that you can feel is what makes you human, and why you will recover.

Focus on Positive Memories

Whatever you have lost, remember the good times. Try not to focus on questions like “why?” or “what if?” Instead remind yourself of the positive times. Take peace from them and let yourself smile.

Often, when people have recovered from grief, and have had a positive experience with counseling, they have a desire to give something back. Use your experience to create something positive and peruse an online degree in counseling. You may find studying an online counseling degree leads to a rewarding career helping others move on from their own grief.