Different people experience grief differently. In essence, there is no right way to grieve. It all depends on an individual’s personality and the kind of relationship they had with the deceased. Although feelings of grief lessen over time, a person may still experience intense moments triggered by the grief. This article helps you understand grief triggers and what to do in such situations.
What are Grief Triggers?
Grief shows our enormous human capacity for love. Having been through life with the deceased person, one is bound to encounter things that are reminding of the times when they were alive. What causes such sparks of remembrance can be referred to as grief triggers. They engender a wide range of emotions including sadness, anger, guilt, longing, pain or anxiety.
Examples of Grief Triggers
Grief triggers vary from person to person; depending on personal history and experiences. They could be something specific like a photograph, a song, the resemblance of a child to the deceased person or something even harder to identify like the scent of rain or the turning of seasons.
Birthday anniversaries, holidays, family events, gifts from the deceased, special places, sounds and smells, social situations such as weddings, songs, movies, and other special occasions can activate memories associated with the person who is deceased.
Actions to Take When Triggered
Suppressing or denying pain is more painful than letting it all out. Hence, you should allow yourself to feel those emotions without guilt or judgement. Engage in self-care practices such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep or regular exercising. You may consider seeking support from friends, family members, or even support groups if necessary.
More importantly, if you find that these grief triggers are significantly impacting your daily life and have become too difficult to cope with, consider getting guidance from a therapist.
