You Do Not Have to Carry This Alone. Coping With Grief After a Tragedy.
In the wake of the recent tragedy at The Ohio State University’s Graduation, we want to take a moment to acknowledge what so many in our community are carrying right now.
Being present during a tragedy is traumatic. When it happens on a day meant to be celebratory and full of hope, it can bring up a complicated mix of feelings that are difficult to name and even harder to process. We want you to know that whatever you are feeling right now is a valid and natural response to something that should never have happened.
There is no right way to grieve. But there are ways to support yourself through it.
Give it time
It is a cliche because it is true. Time does make grief easier to bear. That does not help much in the middle of it, when the intensity feels unrelenting. When you are struggling, remind yourself that this feeling will not always be this acute. The shock will not always feel this sharp. It is okay to distract yourself sometimes while the waves are still high. Feeling your feelings is important. So is giving yourself permission to rest from them.
Notice what grief feels like in your body
Grief is not just an emotion. It lives in the body. Notice what happens physically when a wave comes up. What sensations are present? Where do you feel it? When you can track grief as a body experience rather than just a mental one, it can help you feel less out of control and more able to ride it out. Soothing your body helps too: a shower, a nap, music, movement, time with someone you trust.
Lean on your people
We are wired for connection, and grief is one of the times we need it most. Tell the people who care about you what you are going through. Let them know whether you need comfort, distraction, or just someone to sit with you. You do not have to process this alone, and you were not meant to.
Take care of your basics
Eat. Drink water. Sleep. Take your medications. These things matter more than usual when you are grieving because your system is already under significant stress. If you feel up to it, time in nature, gentle movement, creative activities, time with a pet or a child, can all offer quiet restoration without requiring much from you.
Reach out for professional support
If you are struggling and do not have a therapist, grief after trauma is exactly the kind of thing therapy is designed to support. You do not have to be in crisis to deserve help. You just have to be human and hurting. Our clinicians at Holistic Consultation are here.
And finally, if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, text 741-741 or call 988.
Want to learn more or schedule? Book a free 10-minute call with our Intake Coordinator or reach out through our contact page.