All Blog Postings by Mary
Signs of Dangerous Grief Stress
Archive notice: This is a historical post from Mary’s years of blogging. Some older posts may mention products, courses or shop items that are no longer available, as Mary now focuses her time and energy on supporting widows inside her private Facebook community. The guidance and stories remain here as a free resource for widows.
For current ways to connect with Mary’s work, you can:
- Read her book on Amazon .
- Request to join her private Facebook group for widows .
No doubt about it, we widows are stressed and that is normal, but we may be under more stress than we can handle.
Things to watch out for:
1. Being irritable with things you normally tolerate.
2. Lack of sleep and being exhausted every morning.
3. A feeling that you are on the edge and falling over.
4. Physically unhealthy – frequent headaches or stomach pains.
5. Easily distracted.
6. Feeling forgetful and lacking interest in your future.
7. Self-talk is always on the negative side.
8. Using alcohol, drugs, food or shopping to help you relax.
9. Passive living, with no goals or passion.
10. Isolating from others and not leaving your home.
Tips if your grief stress is getting dangerous:
1. Play some complex puzzles and games.
2. Learn a foreign language or music instrument.
3. Keep a private journal.
4. Write letters to family and friends.
5. Talk to others who have also suffered a loss.
6. Study and memorize scripture.
7. Choose an activity to enjoy that fits your lifestyle.
8. Have some quiet time before going to sleep – no t.v. or cell phone.
9. Wake up and go to bed same time every day.
10. Socialize weekly and be open to meeting new friends.
11. Have a doctor checkup – health tests, quit smoking and healthy weight.
12. Make a list of all the things in the future you want to do and plan for it.
Don’t let your grief stress shatter your hope and faith for a new future that you create instead of just letting happen. Your grief stress should not suppress your memories, silence your courage or conquer your spirit. You are stronger then you give yourself credit for – Yes, you are!