I lost my mother last year to Cancer and unfortunately for me I am not dealing to well with it at all. It comes and goes in spells and some spells are more overwhelming than others. As we enter the Fall/Winter I am already prepping myself for the same slump I went through last year this time. The need for isolation, the sadness of family holidays and not wanting to participate or celebrate them at all. I guess it’s normal but it’s definitely not fun.
With both of my parents being gone and I not having my own immediate family to focus on, I have realized just how lonely grief in itself is. While you don’t want to talk about it all the time or answer constant redundant questions from others, you do want an outlet..but a sincere outlet. And that can be person, place or thing. For me it’s work. It’s go out and pull weeds out of a flowerbed, it’s painting the door on a house that you will eventually sell or having a yard sale. Something to keep you occupied just long enough to make it 24 hrs without crying or sliding down a wall like a woman in a Lifetime movie.
Now I don’t recommend my method for everyone. Everyone has their limits, their outlets so you should do what works for you. I pray most people have at least one person they can go to so you are not isolated because Depression is real and if you feel yourself going to far down that road there is no shame in seeking help. I worked in mental health offices for many years and don’t think that all types of people, incomes, issues don’t enter those doors. They are regular people just like you, trying to make it through the day and function.
I think I will eventually have a “Grief” segment to the site for other’s who may be dealing with the same. There are so many stages to it and knowing you are not alone sometimes is a boost in itself for some. Just remember that yes, you will have sadness, anger, anxiety and all sorts of emotions as you deal. The goal is to not let them overcome you or your daily life. Just believe that it will get better and do the things that will get you to that place of Joy once again.
Find Your Light and Joy will follow. -Angela/Founder
