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5 Suggestions for CGrief at Work

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Losing a loved one is one of the most painful tragedies that humans endure. The impact of this loss is usually crushing, and in the aftermath of bereavement, we often feel like we have no control over anything. Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s perfectly normal to detach yourself from your everyday existence to grieve. Unfortunately, no matter how sad you feel, life has to go on.

Returning to work whilst grieving is quite challenging. You need to figure out how to be productive and deal with your colleagues who may act differently around you because they don’t know how to comfort you. You may not be able to control how everyone else acts, but you can make your return to work whilst grieving a little easier. From dealing with awkward conversations to accomplishing tasks, here are a few tips to help you navigate your work life while grieving.

Open Dialogue with Your Employer

Be honest with your employer, and let them know your struggles. Explain that you might not operate at an optimal level for a while. Tell them exactly what you need so they can help you. Ask for mental health days, work-from-home opportunities, or anything else that you need whilst you grieve.

Focus on Action

It might be tempting to shut down and do nothing, but trying to be productive and crossing tasks off your checklists can distract you and prevent you from being consumed by painful feelings.

Reach Out for Assistance

People generally want to help grieving but don’t know how to go about it. Don’t be ashamed to ask your colleagues for help. Instead of insisting that everything is great, tell them what you need. They’d be happy to pick up your workload so you can focus more on healing.

Create a Safe Space

Find a quiet place to retreat when things get too much and you want to cry. It could be your car or a room people only enter sometimes.

Keep Tissues Handy

You might cry a lot when you least expect it. Keep tissues handy. Always remember that grief is an essential step to healing in the wake of a loved one’s death. When you return to work, be honest about how you feel about yourself and others.

Don’t try to rush the mourning process. The sooner you confront your grief and live through it, the sooner you’ll be able to live the rest of your life more happily and productively.

It helps to see a grief counsellor or therapist if you need assistance coping with your emotions. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness but an intelligent decision to help you move forward. I offer grief counselling services, and you can contact me to book a session.

 

 

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