Grief is a deeply personal and often challenging journey that everyone will experience at some point in their lives. National Grief Awareness Day, observed annually on August 30th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the grieving process, offering support to those who are grieving, and educating others on how to help those in mourning.
At Compassus, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one. We understand that during the grief process your profound journey can be difficult to navigate and change over time. As a hospice company, we are dedicated to compassionate care, and want to walk alongside you and provide support every step of the way. To this end, we offer bereavement support to help families navigate the complex emotions that accompany loss. In honor of National Grief Awareness Day, we want to share some tips on how to support yourself and others during times of grief.
Tips for Helping Yourself
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s important to recognize and accept your emotions, no matter how difficult they may be. Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, or even relief without judgment.
- Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your feelings with others who understand can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Take Care of Your Health: Grief can take a physical toll. Ensure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity to help manage stress.
- Give Yourself Time: Grief doesn’t have a set timeline. Be patient with yourself as you navigate your emotions and understand that healing is a gradual process.
- Engage in Healing Activities: Activities such as journaling, meditation, or creating a memory book can help you process your feelings and keep the memory of your loved one alive.
Tips for Helping Others
- Listen Without Judgment: Sometimes, the best support you can offer is a listening ear. Allow your loved one to express their feelings without offering solutions or advice unless asked.
- Be Patient: Grief can cause fluctuating emotions. Be patient and understanding as your loved one navigates their journey.
- Offer Practical Help: Providing meals, running errands, or helping with household tasks can alleviate some of the daily pressures your grieving loved one may face.
- Stay Present: Grieving individuals often feel isolated. Regular check-ins, phone calls, or visits can make a significant difference.
- Encourage Professional Support: Suggesting resources like counseling or support groups can be beneficial. Compassus provides bereavement support for up to 12 months after the loss of a loved one, offering a professional outlet for grief.
Compassus Bereavement Support
At Compassus, our care does not end when a loved one passes away. We are dedicated to supporting families through their grief journey with bereavement support services. Support can begin prior to a loved one’s passing and extend for up to a year after a loss. Even after that time, we’re available to help you cope with loss. There is no charge for bereavement services, and the choice is always yours. Wherever you are on your grief journey, our compassionate team is here to provide the resources and support needed to help you heal.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, please reach out to your local Compassus program to learn more about our bereavement support services offered in your area. Remember, you do not have to walk this path alone.
National Grief Awareness Day serves as a reminder that while grief is a universal experience, it is also deeply personal. Whether you are grieving or supporting someone who is, understanding, compassion and patience are key. At Compassus, we are committed to being there for you every step of the way, ensuring no one must face their grief journey alone. Together, we can navigate the journey of grief and find healing.
