21 of 76

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 4

possible. As time went on, I was able to spend twenty to thirty minutes at a time writing intently on what I was experiencing and the challenges I faced in any given day as a result of being dead brain (shock, sadness, inability to function.) My biggest downfall was finding the ambition to continue journaling on a daily basis. I learned through experience in writing and seeing the benefit in my life, a continued journal would have prompted great strides in my own mourning.

Without the aid of a professional counselor, journaling has been my greatest tool in coping with and understanding the loss, I have endured. I suggest that every person, young and old, find a way to journal. It doesn't matter how you journal - through writing, drawing, painting or scribbling. The key to journaling is allowing everything you feel and recognize to be released. The feeling of relief becomes increasingly welcomed as journaling continues.

Support Groups

I found a few support groups as well, some on-line, some in person. Having the opportunity to meet with people who shared in the same loss aided me greatly. The knowledge that I was not the only person experiencing the intense pain associated with the loss of my child helped.

To find a grief support group in your local area, contact the hospital, police station and the coroner's office. Some cities will set up a group through one of those general areas. If there isn't one through that organization, they will more than likely have a direction to offer.

If, by chance, you don't have a support group in your local area, it isn't difficult to start one. Decide on a place to meet first. It doesn't have to be your home; a quiet coffee shop or restaurant works well, too. Pick a day not generally dedicated to other activities through the week. Tuesday's and Thursday's have always worked well for groups I've joined. Then set the time; between 6 pm and 9 pm works best for most people.

You can call the local radio stations and ask if they have a 'promote yourself' time slot or if they would be willing to run a quick ad or blurb a few times a day. You will be surprised at how receptive they will be to offer the time free of charge if you explain the cause. Run an ad in the paper and contact your local city chamber and request that they add it to their calendar of events as well.

Grief is different for each person and varies at different times in ones life. There is no right or wrong way to grieve; as long as you allow yourself to feel the deep rooted emotions that come with a loss you experience.

Learn more about this author, Mysti Guymon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Add your voice

Know something about Grief: Coping with the death of a child?
We want to hear your view. Write now!