Supporting your Mental Health through Grief and Loss

by | Aug 28, 2024 | How To | 0 comments

One of the most painful experiences you will go through in life is losing someone close to you. Grief doesn’t always follow a straight path and sometimes, the stages you experience won’t fit into boxes. Even though everyone’s grief is unique, you do have to remember that grief does share some common feelings. You may find that you experience denial, anger, and even depression. Bargaining is also very real, and so is acceptance. Emotions around the loss of a loved one often happen unexpectedly and sometimes, you may end up experiencing conflicting emotions at the same time. Your emotions may change from one moment to the next too, and this can put you under even more pressure. Another thing that makes it difficult to process things is that the symptoms of grief are often wide-ranging. Most people do experience sadness, but at the end of the day, sometimes grief can bring about a sense of relief. This is especially the case if the loved one was in pain or suffering. 

When grieving, some people feel a physical ache and others feel some degree of numbness. If you have lost someone close to you then you may learn about your ability to cope with grief and your ability to work through it as well. This gives you powerful insights into the grieving process and it also helps you to feel more in control when you feel overwhelmed.

It Won’t Be Like This Forever

Part of what makes losing someone so very painful is that you feel as though the intense sadness is going to go on forever. This is a very common fear and it is something that can be hard to process. If you want to help yourself here then you need to understand that although you may never move on from the people you love, you do need to make sure that you are resuming a normal life as much as possible. You need to get back to your activities and you need to find ways to process your loss. This can be difficult at first but over time, you may find that your grief shifts and the loss of your loved one becomes easier to cope with. If you want to help yourself then one thing you can do is join a support group. When you do, you will soon find that you can connect with other people who are going through the same as you, and believe it or not, this can be a great comfort.

You Can Get Through This

You also need to remember that you will get through this. Even though things feel difficult right now, you will get through it and you will come out the other side. Loss can be difficult to cope with, so you need to make sure that you have a plan so you can navigate the process. A lot of people become consumed with grief, and others become numb to it. Grief and pain may come on in waves, and at times, the pain can be overwhelming. If you can, you need to make sure that you are not denying these waves. You need to be welcoming of them, and you also need to make room for painful emotions. If you can then you will become more resilient and you will also be able to better support your mental health. Finding healthy ways to express your grief—whether through writing, art, movement, or talking with someone—can also support your mental health and help you process your emotions more effectively. Don’t be tempted to bury your pain and don’t be afraid to push forward and show the world that you’re still standing, even after everything you have been through.  Healing takes time, and it’s important to give yourself the space to grieve and process your emotions. In situations of profound loss, especially after a traumatic event, practical considerations like cleanup services after death can feel overwhelming, but they are an essential part of managing the aftermath. This service not only relieve you of the physical burden but can also offer a sense of closure, allowing you to focus on your emotional recovery. 

Be Gentle with Yourself 

Grief can be exhausting and it has a way of touching every single aspect of your life too. It can also change how you take care of yourself too. If you can, you have to make sure that you are sleeping enough and that you are taking the time to eat nourishing foods. You also need to make sure that you are staying hydrated and that you are drinking plenty of water. Things like this are so important when you are going through a tough time as they help you to take care of yourself. It can be hard to see the positives when you are going through grief and sometimes, it’s easy to let self-care slip through the net. 

Think about Cycles and Know the Grief will Pass 

If possible, you need to think about things in cycles, rather than in lines. If you have gotten to the point where you’re feeling okay, but then you end up feeling bad again then you should not take this as a sign that you have relapsed. You should see it as a cycle, and that what goes around will eventually come around. Grief is a series of loops and it is entirely possible that at some point you will come back around to where you feel as though you started. If you want to make sure that you get the help and support you need then make sure that you open up to others and also make sure that you are talking to people about the way that you feel. You are entitled to feel the way that you do, and you also need to make sure that you are not holding back where possible. If you can do this then you will soon find that you can move forward with your life. If you want to help yourself to process what has happened, try and find ways to honor the person you have lost. It is possible for you to find urns from Memorials.com, speak with a cremation company about meaningful tribute ideas, or you can put down some flowers for them. If you do this then you will soon find that you can connect with the ones you have lost and that you can show that they are still in your thoughts. If you can do this then you may find that it helps you to work through your grief and that you can feel way better about yourself.

Your Feelings are Understandable and Valid

You have to remember that your feelings are understandable and that they are valid. You should not use the word normal when describing your feelings and remember that nothing is normal to you right now as your world has been shaken up. Give yourself the chance to feel whatever emotions you need to feel and make sure you talk to someone if you feel as though it is going to help. Remember that someone may compare what you are going through to what they went through when they lost a relative. You may find that this is comparing, but it’s not, it’s their way of them trying to be there for you. It’s also showing that they understand what emotions you are experiencing, but when you are grieving, it can be easy for you to take things the wrong way. You may find that when you are grieving, you end up going through intense emotions. You may find that when you walk down the street, you feel calm but then you feel an outburst of emotion and you feel like crying all over again. Either way, this is all normal, so try and make sure that you keep that in mind and that you allow yourself to feel whatever it is you need to feel.

Finding A Reason

You have to remember that there is no way for you to get over the loss of a loved one. You need to find a way to build that experience into your life so you can move forward. Grief is very natural and it is a response to you losing someone. Though you may have a past experience that influences the way that you see yourself, you have to remember that grief also gives you the chance to reflect on what matters to you right now. Use your grief as a way to build yourself up and become more resilient. Take note of everything you have been through and recognize that you are still here and able to move forward. 

Lastly, remember that when all is said and done, you are not alone. Many people who have lost people in the past go through grief and loss. They also have some idea of what you are going through, even if they do not process grief in the same way as you. If you want to help yourself then you have to remember that there are people out there who you can talk to and that it is entirely possible for you to get help if you need it. Sometimes you don’t need to talk to a friend, talking to a professional is the way to go, and this is a great way for you to reflect on the way that you feel so you can come to terms with the way that you feel and how it affects you. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help either, in fact, sometimes it’s one of the strongest things you can do.

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject:

Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.

🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

I’m so glad you asked.

DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.

The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.

There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.

There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.

The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.

And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.

I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.

I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.

That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

There are Merriment Makers everywhere.

People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.

Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.

I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.

And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.

There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.

I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com

🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle