Finding Your New Normal: Grieving & Healing from The Trauma of Loss

NECESSARY STEPS FOR HEALING: Acknowledge your pain. Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions. Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you. Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you. Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically. Recognize the difference between grief and depression.

IMPACT OF TRAUMA & LOSS There is no timeline for healing: there is no right/wrong way. Children, adolescents, adults, elderly.

TIPS FOR COPING WITH GRIEF/LOSS Give yourself time to accept and acclimate to your “new normal.” Ask for help and seek support from those you trust. Share your story and experience. Attend support/therapy groups. Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress. Establish or reestablish routines. Give yourself permission to pause and avoid making major life decisions. Seek professional help if emotional distress becomes too much. Be kind to yourself, engage in daily self-care, and be patient. Remember there is no timeline for grief. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT: Support Groups, Hotlines, Therapists, etc.