Factors

Factors that Help the Grieving Process

• Allow time to experience one's thoughts and feelings (feel the feelings)
• Acknowledge and accept all feelings both positive and negative
• Use a journal to document feelings
• Confide in a trusted person - tell the story
• Express feelings openly - crying is a release
• Identify unfinished business and try to come to a resolution
• Attend a bereavement support group to be with others who have experienced similar loss
• Seek professional help if the grieving process is too overwhelming

Factors that Hinder the Grieving Process

• Ignoring one's feelings or emotions
• Use of alcohol or drugs to self medicate
• Use of work (over-function at work to avoid feelings)
• Not taking time for oneself to grieve