Losing a family member is probably the worst thing anyone can go through. No words can describe the pain you’re feeling, and you’re sick to everyone telling you it will be alright. You don’t care if it will be okay someday, it’s not alright now. As a result, you enter some pretty dark places as you navigate the minefield of grief. It’s so easy to have mental health issues following the loss of a loved one. In fact, it almost wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t feel mentally battered. So, that’s one thing to keep in mind already; it’s normal to feel this way. 

Needless to say, you have to look after your mental wellbeing in a time like this. Otherwise, you can slip into a dark place that’s almost impossible to get back from. This post will offer some tips and advice on dealing with grief and protecting your mental health. 

Don’t go through it alone

Your natural response to a heavy loss is to seclude yourself from the people you love. You want to be alone and grieve as much as you can. However, life is a lot better with other people in it. You need to reach out and let people into your life, particularly if they’re willing to help. This will be vital during the probate process following death as well. If you were asked, what are the deadlines and timelines for probate? You wouldn’t be able to answer. It can take months to get things sorted, meaning you have to deal with so many legal proceedings just to access the contents of your loved one’s will. So, you need others around you to help guide you through this process and take some of the stress away. This will go a long way to helping you heal. 

Keep your mind occupied

It’s a good idea to take up a hobby when you’re feeling down. Something like jogging, walking or playing an instrument. These hobbies let you blow off some steam and occupy your mind with different thoughts. Reading also works, and it’s very effective at transporting you into different realities. This stops you from sitting alone and letting your thoughts wander to bad places. Hobbies can also help you heal by showing you that there’s still loads to love in your life. 

Consider professional help

Going through the stages of grief can be daunting for anyone. If it all gets too much, you might benefit from professional help. Seek a counselor to get things off your chest and receive guidance. There are hotlines you can call to talk about your problems if you don’t want to see someone in-person. Talking to friends/family will also work, but if you want some guidance on what to do, you may need professional assistance. 

 

I know you hate hearing it, but things will genuinely get better. They might not return to how they used to be, but the pain will fade. Look after yourself and your mental health in a time like this. Hopefully, this post has given you some direction on how to get started.