Self-Care During Bereavement

If you have suffered a loss, grief is an appropriate response. It is normal

and natural to feel numb, empty, anxious, depressed, or intensely sad.

What can you do to get through this difficult time?

1. Talk about it. Share these feelings with friends, family members, or a

minister, rabbi, or spiritual counselor—anyone that you feel supports

you and can listen with compassion. If you find it hard to talk with

those in your everyday life, consider seeing a professional counselor.

Your massage therapist may be able to refer you to experienced,

trusted professionals in the community.

2. Get regular massage or a massage that’s a little longer than usual.

Massage increases circulation. Stress hormones are flushed away and

the flow of endorphins, natural mood elevators, is increased. In a

massage session, you can let go and enjoy a much-needed sense of

peace and nurturing. Massage sometimes prompts tears and the

expression of sadness. This is a natural, normal emotional response

to nurturing touch.

3. People who are grieving not only feel overwhelmed with sadness, but

often feel very sensitive to their environment. You may want to find a

place that feels particularly safe to express your feelings. This could

be at home, with a formal or informal support group, or a favorite

place in nature.