Permission to Grieve

The key to grieving in a healthy manner is one word: “Permission”

Give yourself permission to grieve. This is not the time to be strong for others; it is a time to simply survive. Below are a few suggestions that we use in the hospice’s grief recovery program to assist our families:

1) Write down your fears & be brutally honest. When we are able to “see” our fears, we can

more effectively deal with them.

2) Decide if you do or do not want to be alone and stick to your decision. Let people know

what your preference is and do not send mixed signals to them.

3) Do not be afraid to express your emotions; people are expecting you to cry… don’t

disappoint them.

4) Structure your time. Daily life can be demanding (i.e. cleaning, shopping, cooking, etc.)

even if you have not experienced a loss.

5) Ask others to assist you as much as necessary. Remember, they too are grieving

your/their loss. By allowing them to help, you are providing them an outlet for their grief.

Should you find your grief getting the best of you, please feel free to call me at 678-583-0717.

Don Daly

Chaplain/ Bereavement Coordinator

Sacred Journey Hospice, www.sacredjourneyhospice.com