Grief is a normal and healthy response to a great loss in someone’s life. Whether it’s a family member or loved one, a sudden change, or a significant life event, that experience can deeply impact our emotional and physical well-being. For some, grieving can be hard to navigate, but it is an important part of the healing process. In this blog, we will take a look at the journey towards healing and why it is important to ask for help when or if you need it. 

Understanding Grief

Grief and sadness can manifest itself in a wide range of ways. It can bring out strong emotions like anger and sadness. For some, it’s a physical reaction like fatigue, a change in appetite, or lack of sleep at night. 

The duration of grief differs for everyone, and there is no set timeline for complete healing, but it could depend on how someone chooses to cope with these feelings. 

Helping Yourself During Recovery

As you mourn the loss or change in your life, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, has some important tips to keep in mind as you are in early stages of grief.

• Reach out to friends and family to let them know how you are feeling
• Limit how often you watch the news or jump on social media
• Set an easy routine for yourself that you can follow daily
• Avoid making any important, life-changing decisions that could make it harder to adjust 

When to Get Help

While everyone’s journey looks different, there are some signs to be aware of which, if prolonged, are worth seeking professional help. 

• Feeling intense emotions for a long time without any improvement
• Struggling to keep a daily routine and feeling too overwhelmed to function
• Isolating yourself from friends and family
• Using drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of sadness
• Physical symptoms like chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, or a lack of sleep 

How to Seek Help

Never be afraid to ask for help. Here are a few ways you, or someone you love, can get support. 

• Licensed therapists or counselors
• Support groups
• Online Resources
• Hotlines 

When a loss or change happens, you do not have to go through it alone. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC), like Singing River Services, are modeled to have approaches for any family in crisis. CCBHCs are available 24/7 and offer personal and family mental health screening, care, and counseling services. Seeking professional intervention can not only help your child with any mental health struggles but also help family members understand and be able to provide a supportive environment at home.