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52 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2022 Bereavement Group When you deal with a loss, everything can seem overwhelming. There are things you can try to help soothe and calm your emotions. The ones I will mention in this article are just some that you might choose to try. This is part two of a three-part article. Here are some other strategies for handling grief. Share your feelings with others who can relate to your situation. You can do this through a support group like the Bereavement Group, or you could go to your place of worship for support. Utilize your faith's mourning rituals. Those rituals are to give structure and comfort to your mourning. Of course, at any time, if your grief seems unmanageable through these means, you should seek professional help. Contact your primary physician or insurance company for a referral. Starting a journal may also help with how you are feeling. You can write in it almost like a diary, or if you choose, you can write poetry. You do not have to share what you write with anyone unless you choose, but the goal is to express the emotions and not hold them inside. Some people keep a couple of journals so that they have one in the main part of the house and one by their bed. That way, as a thought or emotion happens, they can write about it. Support yourself by taking care of yourself physically. Go for a walk. Getting out in the fresh air and nature can make you feel better. Also, when you do something physical, you release endorphins which make you feel better. If you enjoyed biking, running, or swimming in the past, try doing it now. You enjoyed it before and you may find that you still do. If you do not, try a new activity. These are just some strategies for dealing with grief. Pick and choose what feels right for you. Again, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. There is no right or wrong emotion. Each person has to go through their own process for grieving for whatever amount of time it takes. You never get over the loss of your loved one but you can, over time, get involved in things, redefine your life and be happy in a new or different way. The Bereavement Group meets on Mondays at 1pm in RCN Room 3. If you have any questions, feel free to call Becky KG at (951) 524- 0215 or email at beckykg_1@yahoo.com. All contact is confidential. ~ Becky Kotzin-Gustafson As a side note, the Bereavement Group will be taking a hiatus starting on October 9th, 2022 until January 9th, 2023. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact me by phone or email. After the first of the year, I will call and remind you when group is starting. I look forward to seeing you then.

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