Archive for the ‘Needs of grievers’ Category
Wednesday, March 20th, 2013
Is is possible to take a break from grief? Stick with me for a moment and let me explain. Please! I think it’s not only possible at times, but necessary, to take a break from grief.
I will say, without a doubt, that grief is one of the most difficult experiences any of us will face in life. The idea of taking a break from grief does not in any way minimize or make light of its intense pain, effects, or significance. I recognize the deep and complex impact of grief that follows loss. In fact, its fierce and powerful characteristics are exactly why we need to take a break from grief.
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Tags: coping with grief, finding balance during grief, grief journey, help with grief, needs of grievers, take a break from grief, taking a break
Posted in Coping with Grief, Decisions and choices, Effects of Grief, Needs of grievers, Stunned by Grief | 8 Comments »
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013
You’re probably thinking, “I don’t even know what a ‘grief’ umbrella is”—and you’re asking me, “What color is your ‘grief’ umbrella?” Let’s work through this idea together …
Grief is a mystery and a shock when you first meet up with it. Nothing you’ve ever seen, read, or thought about grief prepares you for its reality. Just like death—when death steals someone you love away—a staggering realization hits your senses that your life has changed and it will never be the same again. That’s the way grief is, too. And when grief shows up, trust me, you’ll need ‘grief’ umbrellas.
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Tags: changes, coping with grief, effects of grief, encouragement, grief support, hope, needs of grievers
Posted in Changes, Coping with Grief, Decisions and choices, Effects of Grief, Emotions, Hope, Needs of grievers | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, December 12th, 2012
Judy Brizendine was interviewed today by Anna Banks for a special show about dealing with grief during the holidays – on the program “Living Fully After 40™ Radio.
Anna also wrote an article for her Living Fully After 40™ Blog today (December 12) about Judy, her STUNNED by Grief books, and the challenges of grief and the holidays.
This time of year, which we normally greet with excitement and anticipation, is extremely difficult for anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one or other types of deep losses. Instead of joy, someone who is grieving most likely is experiencing feelings of dread, anxiety, a lack of energy, loneliness, and an overall sense of being overwhelmed. However, there are things you can do to make your holiday season more manageable—and to carve out moments of joy in the midst of your grief. You’ll find suggestions to help you cope with grief during the holidays in Judy’s guest blog article, ‘5 Ideas to Ease Holiday Anxiety During Grief,’ written for the Journeys Through Grief Newsletter.
Check out Anna’s blog to read the article about Judy (as well as a host of other articles dealing with issues we all face) whether or not we are past the age of 40!
(Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com)
Tags: coping with grief, emotions, grief and holidays, grief challenges, holidays
Posted in Coping with Grief, Decisions and choices, Emotions, Holidays, anniversaries, special occasions, Needs of grievers, Stunned by Grief | Comments Off
Friday, November 30th, 2012
I’m very honored to be guest blogging today for the Journeys Through Grief Newsletter!
I hope you’ll check out the article and share it with your friends, family, and people you know.
People everywhere are experiencing all types of loss—and the holiday season is especially difficult for anyone who is grieving. This article provides some ideas you may not have considered to ease holiday anxiety during grief. Perhaps by sharing this resource, you’ll be offering help to someone who really needs it now.
We all need hope. And we all need help at certain times.
Just click on the link here to read: Journeys Through Grief Newsletter
(Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com)
Tags: coping with grief, ease anxiety, grief and holidays, needs of grievers
Posted in Coping with Grief, Holidays, anniversaries, special occasions, Needs of grievers, Stunned by Grief | Comments Off
Friday, February 10th, 2012
You know someone who is grieving, and you happen to see them. What do you say?
Fear about what to say to a griever is common. Most people are uncomfortable around someone who is grieving because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. Since they have no idea what to say, often they simply choose to avoid the griever.
The most important thing anyone can do is to let the person who is grieving know that you care. Give them a hug, show them your concern for what they’re going through, and tell them you want to help (and mean it)!
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Tags: fear, needs of grievers, wha, what to say to grievers, words and actions
Posted in Decisions and choices, Emotions, Needs of grievers, Stunned by Grief, What to say to grievers | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
The most common complaint and disappointment I hear from grievers is that no one will allow them to talk about their loved one who died — or to talk about their loss.
Grievers need to talk! People around them are uncomfortable bringing up the subject, or they’re afraid they will upset the person and cause them to cry. It’s okay! The griever is already upset, and if he or she happens to cry while talking, that’s okay, too. Talking and crying are healthy and helpful for someone who is grieving. If anyone starts to cry, just be compassionate. Hugs are comforting, too.
If friends and family members understand how crucial it is for grievers to have someone to talk to, perhaps they will be more willing to ignore their own discomfort and encourage the griever to talk.
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Tags: compassion, consideration, Griever's needs, grievers, talking
Posted in Coping with Grief, Decisions and choices, Needs of grievers, Stunned by Grief | 6 Comments »
Wednesday, August 24th, 2011
The Grief ‘Club’ is a group you never wanted to join. But the irony of it all is that fellow members have the ability to connect with you and understand what you’re going through in ways that strangers to the club (even though they may be people closest to you) cannot.
An unspoken bond exists between people who have suffered a deep loss. They not only know about grief, they know grief—so they can relate to your feelings, fears, and questions. Fellow members have an awareness that is missing in those who do not belong to the club. Others, regardless of their desire, simply do not have the same ability to understand—because grief cannot be known any way except firsthand.
I’m still amazed (even though I know it’s true) that a perfect stranger may be able to relate to me better than someone I’ve known and loved for years.
Have you received this gift?
© 2011 Judy Brizendine
Tags: awareness, fear, feelings, grief
Posted in Coping with Grief, Effects of Grief, Needs of grievers, Relationships | Comments Off
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
Grievers need someone to listen, and once is not enough. Talking about your loved one or your loss is difficult for some, but talking heals! Yes, talking hurts–but it does heal. Talking about your pain is a way of moving your feelings from the inside to the outside, so you can begin to face your feelings, release them, and start to heal.
One of the kindest, most compassionate things anyone can do is to allow (or better yet, encourage!) a grieving person to talk about his or her loss.
What have you experienced? Have you tried to talk? Has anyone listened?
© 2011 Judy Brizendine
Tags: emotional pain, feelings, grieving, healing from grief, talking about loss
Posted in Coping with Grief, Emotions, Needs of grievers | Comments Off
