Grief is a natural and normal response to any loss, not just the loss of a loved one. Over the past few years, we have all witnessed, if not directly faced and endured, loss on many levels. From illness and death, to secondary losses such as loss of financial security, disruption to work life and even collective losses such as inflation, war, and increasingly socio-economic instability increased – the air was thick with grief and trauma on many levels. Grief has many levels – The ramifications are on the body, mind, heart, social, financial and even spiritual levels. The body keeps score. It is common to see many bereaved people suffering from mild to severe physiological effects such as increased blood pressure, vague pain, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, diabetes, cardiac stress and in some cases Rarely, even stroke. Although the emotional and psychological effects of grief are widely known, unfortunately, little is known or understood about the mental effects of grief. Due to their invisible manifestation, the emotional reactions of grief often go unnoticed and unresolved. The truth is that dizziness, confusion, loss of concentration, absent-mindedness, shaky memory and decreased self-confidence are quite common in grief. Grieving people tend to be busy inside. Their ability to receive information, process it, think and make sense of it is affected. Sometimes they find themselves stuck in the middle of things, not knowing what they are doing. It is normal for grieving people to feel mentally overwhelmed, especially immediately after a loss. The overwhelmed brain needs time to process the sudden overwhelming response of grief. The hyper-alert (primitive) reptilian brain activates the basic fight (denial, disbelief, anger, lament), flight (fear, insecurity, social withdrawal) reactions. socialization, self-isolation) or freezing (paralysis, dizziness, incoherence). On the contrary, the complex thinking part of the brain remains passive, thereby affecting the mental activity of the grieving person. It would be insensitive and unwise to ignore, downplay or even worse, judge unkindly the troubled mental state of a grieving person. No, they haven’t gone crazy. Just wondering, understandably so, and hopefully just for a short while. Our noble mission is to always observe, accompany with compassion and help those on the journey of grief to heal their grief-fogged brain and restore their mental function in the best possible way. maybe. Here are some practical suggestions for those going through the grief journey –1. A healthy body is a home for a healthy mind – Deep, gentle and rhythmic breathing calms the body, heals the heart and helps restore brain function. Expand your deep breathing practice to meditation. During grief, the brain’s threat centers are overactivated and experience increased fear, pain, and anger. Meditation activates the brain’s calming centers and helps a grieving mind become calm and self-compassionate. Always have enough water. Regular gentle sips of water create a soothing nervine experience. Drink enough water or juice, but say “no” to carbonated and hard drinks. Loss of appetite is normal. But you have to be nurtured. You should eat, preferably lightly and in small portions. The body’s rest in grief has a healing effect on the mind. Even if you still have trouble sleeping, allow your body to rest and recover. Practice sleep hygiene. Chant or listen to some soothing music if sleep still hasn’t come. Avoid watching TV, the internet or other stimulating experiences before bed. Sometimes dreams or pensive memories are haunting. It is normal. Please stand up gently. Drink some water. Bladder is empty. Allow soothing recollections to lull you to sleep.2. Work heals the mind, but it is not an escape from pain – Return to routine, work and mundane matters slowly and gently. Approach everything in small, simple steps. If possible, avoid time-bound/goal-bound work. Avoid complicated and mentally stressful things. Play relaxing board games. The grieving brain needs a break to heal. Take a sabbatical from your professional job if possible. At least for a while, try to keep your workload and work habits light.3. Take nature, art, and writing– Nature is a great healer. It calms and heals the grief-fogged brain. Take a walk in nature. Notice and enjoy the birdsong, the sunrise, the changing colors of the seasons. Writing, poetry and art are incredibly therapeutic. They heal the mind and stimulate creative nervous activity. Write a letter (goodbye, love, gratitude) to your deceased loved one or create a piece of memorial art. My grief memoir emerged from my random quotes and poems, and has helped bereaved parents all over the world. Please avoid reading heavy material, especially in times of impending loss. Start reading again slowly and gradually – read only light things that help soothe a distressed mind.4. Seek help – Many people disappear. Some want to help but feel confused or unsure. Help people help you. No matter how difficult it may feel, reach out yourself and tell these well-intentioned people about your needs. Rise above stigma or anxiety and seek professional help if needed.5. Keep the faith and find meaning in your suffering. Serving society, nature, spiritual practices, religious scriptures, art or legacy missions – people follow different paths to maintain their faith. Do what you like. Just keep stimulating your brain with meaningful memories and goals. It will help weaken intrusive thoughts. Above all, hope, love and smiles. “For all the loss, hurt and pain, she only had a loving smile.” These words from my book “Grief ~ Growth ~ Grace – A Sacred Pilgrimage” are most quoted. And I’m not surprised. The above suggestions are general only. I help grievers find or create practices that work for their specific temperament and context, and help them heal the foggy grief mind and follow a path of resilience and growth wall after injury. Take responsibility for healing and reinvigorating your grief-filled brain. Seek help if you really need it. And help those on the grief journey with compassion and patience. Dr. Neena Verma is a ‘Grief & Growth’ Expert; ‘Resilience, Purpose & Transformation’ Coach; and author of Grief ~ Growth ~ Grace – A spiritual pilgrimage, Mother’s Cry.. Mother’s Celebration.
