Jun 6, 20202 min read

A Chatty Grief Q&A

Updated: Nov 21, 2020

Over on my Instagram, I asked all of you to send me any grief-related questions you have. I want to say thank you to all of you who sent in your questions! At the end of the post, there are links to some things I have mentioned in this post, as well as some you might find useful- don't forget to check it out!

What things do you do to help you cope with grief?

There are a few things that I find really helpful. Above all, grief podcasts are my favourite. There's something so comforting about hearing other peoples' stories, advice and take on grief. If you are looking for a good grief podcast, definitely check out The Grief Gang podcast and The Griefcast with comedian Cariad Lloyd. (You might like my blog post about my favourite grief podcasts, where I write a little about these podcasts.)

In addition to this, I find journaling an extremely cathartic exercise and listening to music is a must for me!

How do you deal with and work through triggers?

That's a great question! 'Triggers' are quite unexpected at times. I could just be in a shop that reminds me of my dad and sometimes I can feel the tears coming on! I think that everyone will have their own ways of dealing with them, but I find that taking some deep breaths and a few seconds to recollect myself is helpful. Also, a thing I like to do is try and associate whatever that trigger was (for example a place) and attach a positive thought to it. For example a funny memory or a comforting thought.

How does blogging help you with your grief?

Blogging, to me, is slightly like journaling. I find that actively expressing my grief has been helpful to me as it is a way of preventing my grief from being suppressed. Also, the fact that my blog could help others is really great!

What is the best way to celebrate days like the birthday of your love one?

There are so many different things that you could do to honour your loved one, whether it be a big or small gesture. Personally, I like to use some time to reflect and look through old photographs. However, you could do something like light a candle for them or cook their favourite meal. Check out my blog post with ways to celebrate those special days if you need some ideas.

Can grief support groups be helpful?

Personally, I have never had the experience of having a support group, but I have heard many great things about them! Being vocal about your grief with others who are going through something similar is a great way to lift a weight off your shoulders and connect with other people. It's normal to be nervous about it, but you might be surprised by how much you like it afterwards!