Navigating Grief: Part 3: Caring for Yourself While Grieving
Caring for others while grieving is hard; caring for yourself can feel even harder. In the final part of our series with Dr. Rebecca Tuttle, we discuss the steps you can take to begin healing and how to recognize when your own grief might need might benefit from seeking professional support.
Finally, we asked Dr. Tuttle how people can care for themselves in the midst of grief. After all, responsibilities and daily life continue on, even when it feels like your world has been turned upside down. As Dr. Tuttle reminded us: “taking care of your own needs isn't selfish; self-care is what helps you carry the weight of grief and loss without being crushed by it.”
Dr. Tuttle provided some self-care steps and shared some signs that it’s time to reach out for professional support.
Helpful self-care steps include:
Prioritize basic care. Eating, sleeping, personal hygiene, and even gentle movement support emotional recovery.
Find at least one person to talk to. You don’t have to talk to everyone, but having one trusted listener often makes a huge difference.
Consider grief groups. Being with others who understand can normalize feelings and reduce isolation.
Use resources. Online communities, faith groups, and mental health professionals can all help you move forward.
Be curious, not judgmental, if you experience a crisis of faith or identity. Many people experience a crisis of faith question their view of themselves or the world around them after a loss (e.g., "If [higher power] was real, they would have protected my [spouse, parent, child]," "Who am I without my [spouse, parent, child]?"). Religious or spiritual Beliefs about identity, spirituality, or religion can bring comfort and a sense of community, and exploring what they mean to you - and how those meanings may change - can be an important part of healing.
Signs that it’s time to reach out for professional support include but are not limited to:
Difficulty completing basic tasks (e.g., getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, eating).
Difficulty functioning in relationships (e.g., isolation or withdrawal from others) or at work (e.g., not showing up, completing tasks).
Feeling "stuck" in grief (e.g., feeling like time has frozen; inability to imagine a future).
Intense or persistent guilt, shame, anger, or shifts in mood that feel erratic or unfamiliar.
Frequent or increased use or reliance on alcohol or other drugs in response to difficult thoughts or emotions.
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
I hope this series has been helpful. Grief is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s leaning on loved ones, finding professional guidance, or simply giving yourself permission to feel, every step you take is part of the healing process.
Sincerely,
Silvia A. Brett, Esq.
About Dr. Rebecca Tuttle:
Dr. Rebecca Tuttle is a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) and owner of Tuttle Psychology. She is licensed in the states of Florida and Colorado and is authorized to practice interjurisdictional psychology in all PSYPACT states via telehealth. She specializes in grief and loss support and has completed specialized trainings in depression, anxiety, and grief. Click here to contact Dr. Rebecca Tuttle.
About Brett Legal:
Brett Legal, PLLC is a law firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida and handling Probate and Estate planning throughout the state of Florida. Click here for more information.
Disclaimer: The information in this post about navigating grief and loss is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a suitable substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or related concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.
Additionally, the information provided on this blog is not intended to be legal advice. The content may not reflect the most current legal developments, and it is not guaranteed to be complete or up-to-date. The information on this blog should not be taken as legal advice for any specific case or situation. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included in this blog without seeking the appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a professional licensed in your jurisdiction. The author expressly disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this blog. If you have any of the topics discussed herein, you should contact the appropriate legal, medical, psychological or other applicable professional.
