Having to deal with losing a loved one must be the hardest thing to do. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, partner or friend, the feeling feels the same. The person that was once in your life, is gone forever. In College, we are already dealing with school work, extra activities and studying, how do still get through our day knowing someone in our lives has died? In memory of TaeShawn Gray, our beloved fallen hornet, here is 5 ways that can help cope with losing a loved one.
1. Reaching Out to Others
Although it’s tempting to isolate yourself when you’re grieving—especially during “happy times” like the holidays, you’ll do better with support. Draw loved ones close, rather than avoiding them, and accept the assistance that’s offered. It’s healthy to seek out people who will take care of you when you’re suffering.
2. Expressing feelings openly
Don’t hold back your tears or emotions. Don’t stop yourself from having a good cry if you feel one coming on. Don’t stop yourself from talking about your loved and what you will miss about them. having a creative channel to put this energy is a healthy choice that will prevent the dangerous bottling up of emotions. Let your creative side out, and express your feelings in a new, more productive way. Realize that there is no right or wrong way to feel pain or to express it.
3. Start thinking about your faith
When you experience a tragedy, people often look inwards, but not always in the most productive or healthy way. Whether through meditation, prayers, relaxation, quiet time or self reflection; identify what it is that you have or want to have faith in.
4. Honoring the Person You Lost
When someone is gone, it doesn’t mean that their memory is forgotten. You should find a personal, special way to honor a person that you have lost. This can be your connection to the person, as well as your means of saying goodbye, allowing you to move past your pain into the next chapter of your life.
R.I.P Taeshawn Gray. Her Campus DESU prayers go to you and your loved ones.