It can be impossible to process your feelings when you experience one loss after another within a short period. Each loss comes with different emotions, making you feel confused and overwhelmed. For example, the death of a parent doesn’t feel the same as losing a spouse or a friend. Multiple losses can lead to cumulative grief, and it can take years for a person to resolve it. 

But that doesn’t mean there’s no way through. There are many ways to manage cumulative grief and facilitate the healing process. Here are some tips on how to work through cumulative grief from multiple losses.

 

Process Each Loss Separately

 

When multiple losses happen simultaneously, it might seem more manageable to lump your emotions and process them together. But that won’t address your grief. Instead, it will stay inside you and bubble up later when you least expect it. It’s better to acknowledge each loss separately and recognize the distinct impact they’ve left on you. 

 

Own Your Grief and Let Yourself Feel It

 

Allow yourself to feel pain and sorrow instead of sweeping them under the rug. It’s not a weakness to grieve. In addition, don’t let anyone tell you what you should and shouldn’t feel because it’s your experience of loss. Don’t compare yourself to how others grieve, either. You are unique and will have different emotions and coping styles than others.

 

Don’t Place Unrealistic Expectations on Yourself

 

It can take years to recover from multiple losses, so don’t place a deadline on your grief. Pressuring yourself to recover by a particular time will only increase your stress levels on top of all the other emotions you’re feeling. Give yourself all the time you need to heal instead of forcing yourself to return to regular programming. 

 

Seek Professional Help

 

Cumulative grief is overwhelming and can make a person feel like they can’t take any more of it. Know that you don’t have to go through it alone and that you can always seek professional help. Various therapeutic approaches can help you cope with multiple losses, including identifying your “stuck points.” A therapist can help you move past the images, memories, and thoughts that keep you stuck in your grief. 

You can also join a support group if you think it would help to be surrounded by others going through something similar. 

 

Keep a Daily Routine

A daily routine can help you put one foot in front of the other after experiencing multiple losses. It can also give you a sense of control and accountability. It can be a simple routine with basic tasks, such as taking a shower, brushing your teeth, cooking a meal, and washing the dishes. 

You can also try scheduling one activity daily that promotes self-care, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling. It’s different per person, so find things that work for you.

 

Connect With Loved Ones

Instead of isolating yourself when you’re grieving, let those who love you help you. Social isolation can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Chronic social isolation can also lead to physical illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

Call Wyuka Today!

The grieving process is different for everyone. Give yourself as much time as you need, and be kind to yourself by honoring your feelings and needs. For more information on how to cope with loss, contact Wyuka Cemetary at (402)-474-3600.