Unplanned Pregnancy, Expectant Parent Blog - Grieving Part 3

Crisis Pregnancy Blog

07/14/06

Grieving Part 3 - Coping with Your Grief

Posted by : Coley S. in Crisis Pregnancy Blog at 03:59 am , 389 words, 264 views
Categories: Health, Grief/Loss

You are trying to cope with the stress and largeness of your grief. You are taking things on a day to day basis – just trying to survive. Each of us has different ways to deal with our grief just as we each deal with grief differently. Recall how you have dealt with major loss in the past and use some of those techniques now. It is important to remember that some ways of coping are healthy and positive such as journaling, crying, etc while other methods of coping such as substance abuse are unhealthy and self destructive.

Some ways to cope –

Allow yourself to experience the grief and mourning. In no way, I am saying do not grieve or mourn a loss. It’s healthy and you must do this in order to move forward. Holding back what you are feeling and not recognizing it will only come to hurt you later on down the road.

Maintain contact with supportive friends and family. We all need and crave human touch. Now is not the time to have negative people in your corner so try to fill your support circle with positive people who support you and your decision.

SPONSOR

Express your emotions. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside. Talk to a professional counselor. Write in a journal. If you are angry, do things to work out your anger – pound your pillow or scream.

Take care of yourself. Be sure to follow up with doctors appointments, get plenty of rest and eat well. Remember you have been through a lot emotionally and physically. Give your body time to heal.

Join a support group, talk with a post adoption counselor, or seek out other birthmothers. Having others who understand the post adoption grieving process will make you feel less alone and the encouragement and support is very good for morale.

Get a hobby. Learning a new hobby or doing something with your hands may be just that you need at this time. Some type of activity will help the days seems less long and keep your mind active, at least for a little while.

Physical activity is good for the soul and can be a way to get your mind off the grief. Try jumping rope, walking, jogging, or swimming. And you'll be loosing weight and getting to shape too!

1 comment

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Brittanys1stmom [Member]

· http://www.birthmombuds.com/showcase_alicia.htm

Coley, I love reading your posts. This information would have helped me a lot after the loss of Brittany when I was majorly into the grieving process. I know it will help others.

Permalink 07/31/06 @ 06:57