Grief hurts. We know and understand the complex emotions that come with it. Fortunately, learning to understand feelings associated with grief can transform your heartache to personal growth.

If you are seeking natural ways to cope and methods to heal after loss, you have come to the right place.

How Grief Impacts Us 

The process of grief affects us mentally, emotionally, and physically. When we experience loss, our bodies and minds undergo profound changes. 

These can include:

Physical Symptoms such as: 

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Body aches

Mental and Emotional Struggles such as :

• Feelings of sadness
• A sense of loss
• Numbness
• Regret
• Sometimes, even a complex mix of emotions, including relief

How to identify Grief

We are often unaware that we are experiencing grief. If we do, we tend to keep it to ourselves. Grief is also mostly linked to death, but you can experience grief in many other ways. For example:

• Transitioning from one life stage to another, 
• or believing that you have reached the end of a chapter in your life.

Both these experiences can unleash deep emotions. These feelings can be unexpected and startling, and not talking about them can leave us feeling isolated. 

Why You Should Acknowledge Grief

Lizl Ross, a mental health counsellor with SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group), stresses the significance of acknowledging and preparing (as far as possible) for grief when we anticipate a significant life transition. It also helps to find a way to integrate joy with the experience of grief. You can do this by: 

• Sharing your thoughts and feelings with people with similar experiences. Connecting helps you get shared healing and support. 
• Practice self-compassion by allowing yourself to experience moments of joy without guilt.
• Prioritise self-care by spending time with loved ones and doing things you love for a healthier mental and physical wellbeing.
• Be patient with how long you take and how you grieve. The process is not always linear, so embrace every stage as you heal.

Making grief part of your life’s natural and expected rhythm can promote emotional healing.

The Stages of Grief

Experiencing grief may not look the same from one person to another, but it often follows a similar path with distinguishing stages.

Each stage varies in length, and we may also bounce between them. Understanding each stage can help you prepare for and acknowledge them as they come.

Denial

Denial is the defence mechanism we use to absorb sudden emotions and numb the intensity of loss.

Anger

Anger is our attempt to conceal underlying emotions and pain. The anger is often directed towards various targets, for example, work and family relationships. As it gradually subsides, it allows you to reflect rationally and release suppressed feelings.

Bargaining (often accompanied by guilt)

When you are vulnerable, you search for control, and what if and if only questions surface as a shield against sadness, confusion, and hurt.

Depression

Depression is quieter, allowing for embracing and processing emotions more healthily. We use isolation to cope, though it remains challenging, overwhelming, and unclear. 

If you feel stuck, seeking mental health counsel can aid in moving past this stage.

Acceptance

At this point, your grief is understood and embraced. Your perspective may shift, leading to the appreciation of the increase in good days and acknowledgment of the difficult days that may creep in. 

After there is acceptance, you will experience closure. It’s vital to be kind to yourself through it, as closure can take on different forms. 

Coping mechanisms for the Grieving process 

There are ways to make the journey to healing after grief a little easier. 

• Practicing mindfulness and meditation by focusing on the moment and acknowledging the emotions you feel help reduce anxiety. While meditation can help you process your emotions. 
• Limit the stressful things in your life by delegating responsibilities, taking a break from work, and pursuing your hobbies.
• Journaling: Putting your thoughts and emotions in black and white is therapeutic and a great way to track your progress.
• Join a support group to be part of a safe space where you can talk about your shared experience.

Homeopathic Remedies for Grief

There are natural remedies to support you through the grief journey, which you can find on shelves in most pharmacies. Or you could visit a homeopath to determine the remedies best suited to you and your
specific type of grief. 

For instance:

Natrum Muriaticum (Nat Mur): This helps those grieving the loss of something they deeply cherished, such as a life stage or a special relationship.

Ignatia Amara: Ideal for those who experience overwhelming and uncontrollable sobbing and grief.

Star of Bethlehem: Suitable for those dealing with long-term grief that persists over an extended period.

You are not alone in your grief journey. Remember, you are loved, supported, and capable of finding healing and growth on your unique path. Lean on your community and talk about your loss. The more
vulnerable we are in our grief, the more help and healing we can find.