Hello and Welcome to Neuro Harmony’s Blog!! We are glad you are here and looking for assistance. Stepping out to find help takes a lot of courage!

Beginning today, the hope is that this page will be updated weekly, if not a couple times each week going forward. The blog will contain stories, thoughts, self-improvement ideas and coping mechanisms.

We will discuss a wide variety of mental health topics. Feedback is always welcome! Good, bad, or indifferent. We cannot improve if we don’t take time to consider all points of views. What topics would you like for us to address here? Let us know!

Diving in…

Grief and Loss

At some point in life, we all experience a loss. None of us are immune to this. A loved one, a pregnancy, a pet, a relationship, an object that meant something to us on a psychological level…. Other experiences of loss may be due to children leaving home, infertility and separation from friends and family. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be.

Grief is expressed in many ways, and it can affect every part of your life, your emotions, thoughts and actions, beliefs, physical health, your sense of self and identity, and your relationships with others. Grief can leave you feeling sad, angry, anxious, shocked, regretful, relieved, overwhelmed, isolated, irritable, or numb.

We all are human, but none of us experience things the same. The thing about grief, is that there is NO time frame for healing. Putting ourselves in a box and going by “standards” set by others, is not only a bad idea, but never works and ultimately can bring more trauma as we feel something is wrong with us for still feeling bad or down. What one person may be able to work through in a few days, week or months can take other’s years or a lifetime. Some never fully get past the loss, but can cope with it, with help from a support system in their life.

Getting through loss

This is a process that will take time and effort. Some days will be harder than others to deal with. Don’t define the success of a day based on past good days. Some days, getting out of bed is a victory. While we all find our own ways to grieve, it is important to not go it alone. Having a good support system, or at least one person whom you can talk to is paramount.

Things you can do to help yourself

Ask for help!!! Most other people don’t realize you need assistance. There is no shame in reaching out for help, and this is a very courageous thing to do!

Talk with loved ones about your feelings.

Join a support group.

Don’t neglect your physical needs. Exercise, get plenty of sleep, eat well, stay hydrated. Grieving is exhausting.

Manage stress. Ask a friend or colleague for assistance with chores and or commitments.

Do things you enjoy, even if you are not feeling like it. You will be glad you did.

How to help others

Ask how they are doing. Each day can be different for someone grieving. Take time to listen and try to understand what they are going through. Most of the time, they do not need advice, but just someone to listen and be there.

Talk about everyday life, too. Their loss doesn’t need to be the only focus. Help bring back some happier thoughts into the conversation.

Ask them how else you might be able to help. Cooking them a meal or two, taking them shopping, going for a walk with them. Just a few simple ideas.

Encourage them to seek professional help if they don’t seem to improve over time.

Thank you for taking a moment to read today!

If you or anyone you know is struggling with loss and feeling suicidal, call or text the National Suicide helpline at 988.