4 Self-Care Steps After Suffering an Unexpected Loss

If you've recently suffered an unexpected loss, know that this isn't something to gloss over or take lightly. You'll need to be intentional about your self-care, and it will take time to fully heal emotionally. Consider the following ways to implement a proper self-care routine to ensure that you have the support and care you need to overcome your loss in a healthy and sustainable way.

Seek counseling

When you're dealing with an unexpected loss, it can be difficult to determine where you are in your grieving stage and where you need to go. Seeking a professional, objective perspective can give valuable insight that can help you personalize your grieving methods to where you are and what you really need. A therapist can ask the right questions to help you work through underlying emotions that even close friends and family may not be able to recognize or identify. Even if you feel that you are handling your loss well, a brief consultation with a professional therapist can ensure that you aren’t simply repressing your feelings and help you find healthy methods to address your pain.

Join therapy groups

Losing a loved one is a painful experience, but it isn’t an unusual one. As a result, many people join therapy group sessions to connect with others going through similar emotional trials. When you're able to connect with others who have endured the trauma of unexpected loss, you'll be able to become a part of a support system of people who understand. In group therapy, you can get insight into how different people have handled their trauma, and share your own insights as well. Misery loves company, but it is also easier to overcome as a group than alone.

Hire the right legal representation

When a loss is unexpected, it is unlikely that the deceased will have their financial and other affairs in order before passing. This means that a great burden is often placed on the family of the deceased during an already hard time. Hiring a specialized attorney can be incredibly beneficial in taking away the stress of court proceedings and giving you more time to focus on the grieving process. Probate attorneys, wrongful death attorneys, and so on can take the brunt of the burden with expertise in the field to get everything handled as swiftly and simply as possible.

Avoid spending too much time alone

It's easy to fall into depression when you are left to grieve alone. When left with nothing but their own thoughts, people can often fall into self-destructive mindsets during times of great emotional distress and loss. Feelings of loneliness that can come from a loss should not be handled without a trusted friend or family member on hand. If you want to know how to support a person when they've lost a loved one, a little research can go a long way. If you are the one suffering, then be open and honest with those around you about your emotional needs, and know that it is okay to ask a friend to just stay in the house with you so that you have help on hand when needed.
As you pay attention to your triggers, manage your mental health and implement these four tips, you'll be able to kick-start your journey to healing. Each day will be different. You might feel like you're backtracking at times. However, be faithful to the process. Your healing will happen in due time.