The show must go on.
Grief is a natural response to a loss in life It might be the death of a loved one, the dissolution of a relationship, the break-up of a band, or the separation from family and friends that might leave you feeling sad and alone. The rigors of a life in music do not always allow for one to process loss like everyone else. Those tasked with making sure the show goes on can often ignore their own feelings and emotions in order to perform at their highest level.
No two people will experience grief in the same way. Common emotions associated with grief and loss are sadness, anger, anxiety, shock, regret, irritability and even relief.
What to do if you are experiencing grief and loss
» Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
» Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling, or consider joining a support group.
» Take care of your physical health. Grieving can physically and emotionally tiring, so it’s important to eat a healthy diet, exercise and sleep.
» Manage stress – establish boundaries for the amount of work you take on and ask for help with housework and prior commitments.
» Do things you enjoy, even if you don’t really feel like doing them.
» Set alarm reminders to create healthy habits– drinking water, taking a walk, making a healthy meal, journal, etc.
» If things become overwhelming, try making To-do lists broken down into “small” tasks
» Brush teeth
» Brush hair
» Shower
» Make breakfast
» 10 minutes of stretching
» Make herbal tea
How to help someone who is experiencing grief and loss
Many people do not know what to say or do when trying to comfort someone who is grieving. Often it is the simple act of love and support that is the most important.
» Ask how they’re feeling.
» Talk about everyday life too. Their loss and grief do not have to be the focus of all your conversations.
» Ask them how you can help. Maybe it’s helping with a home-cooked meal, joining on errands, or simply going for a walk around the block. Sometimes the small things can go a long way.
» Encourage them to seek professional support if their grief does not seem to be easing over time. Support groups can be a wonderful place to access community, resources, and to process through grief in an uplifting environment.
