Losing a loved one is never easy, and the grief that follows can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to experience the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but it’s also possible to slip into clinical depression during the process. That’s why it’s so important to find grief support following a loss. If you’re experiencing any stages of grief, the following advice can help you overcome this difficult period of mourning.

Ways to Heal After the Loss of a Loved One

Find Grief Support

Support groups can help you connect with others going through similar experiences so you don’t feel like you are struggling alone. Finding the right support group can help you work through your grief over time. If you need help finding a grief support group, contact the funeral home that made arrangements for your loved one. The staff should be able to refer you to a group in your area.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s imperative to practice self-care as you work through your emotions following a loss. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, exercise, keep a journal, and allow yourself to cry when the mood strikes. Bottling your feelings can do more harm than good and prevent you from reaching closure. 

Recognize the Signs of Clinical Depression

It’s normal to feel depressed while you mourn, but there is a difference between grief and clinical depression. If your sadness doesn’t lessen over time and it’s something you always feel, seek help from a loved one or grief counselor. Depression from grief should come in waves, but if you begin to feel isolated, hopeless, or suicidal, professional therapy can help you combat clinical depression. 

If you need a grief support group in Willow Springs, MO, the compassionate team at Willow Funeral Home can connect you with others in mourning. They strive to help families remember their lost loved ones, but they also care about those left behind. To learn more about their grief support services, call (417) 469-3141 to schedule an appointment or visit their website today.