In its simplest form, grief is complex. Losing a loved one touches every part of our existence. Grief is an emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual experience.

Here are some common ways people react during grief:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Muscular tension
• Despair
• Anger
• Numbness
• Helplessness
• Forgetfulness
• Crying
• Disorientation
• Depression

Grief is not an event, it's a process. It is not a sign of weakness but a tribute to the loved one that has died.

Steps to healing:

Although there are no magic guidelines, many people have found the following suggestions helpful in working through the grief process:

• Allow yourself the time and space to grieve.
• Talk about the person who has died and encourage others to do so.
• Surround yourself with supportive people who understand.
• Postpone making major decisions for at least a year.
  
• Involve yourself in work or a meaningful activity.
• Educate yourself about the grief process.
• Limit your use of alcohol, drugs, caffeine or tobacco.
• Rest - relax - exercise.
• Seek professional assistance if needed.
• Attend a support group where you can meet others experiencing a similar loss.

Swift current Funeral Home has developed aftercare programs to help people cope through the grief process.