Aug. 30 is National Grief Awareness Day

National Grief Awareness Day is Tuesday, Aug. 30. This day is an opportunity to support those who are grieving by breaking the isolation. Grief should not be a taboo subject. Don't hesitate to reach out to someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. They are aching for you to tell them it’s OK to grieve and share in their journey. As a community partner in end-of-life, Delaware Hospice wants to reach out to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. While grief is very personal, there are many common experiences that accompany the death of a loved one.

Here are six tips you may find helpful when trying to deal with loss and grief.

Give yourself time to let grief run its course: The grieving process is personal to you, and you should go at your own speed. There isn't a deadline set to feel a certain way. Remember, grief is not a one-time event, but a process that goes through cycles. Don't put yourself on a timetable to be finished grieving. In reality, the grieving process may not end, but it will get easier over time.

Seek help outside of family and friends: Grief can feel very lonely, even when you have loved ones around. Often, sharing your sorrow with others who have experienced similar losses, who are not your family, can help.

Continue to have a support system: Keep friends and family close. Spending some time alone is fine, but long periods of isolation may not be. Allow loved ones and friends to share in your sorrow or simply be there when you cry.

Keep your life moving: There is comfort in routine activities with friends and everyday life. Do as much of this as you feel comfortable doing. When you are ready, consider trying a new activity. It can be a positive step forward in this new chapter in your life. You may also want to consider attending social events. If you feel like leaving early, you don't have to give a reason; just do what feels right for you and others will understand.

Allow yourself to be happy and let humor into your world: It's OK to allow yourself to enjoy moments of happiness. Don't feel like you need to be sad all the time. You can allow moments of happiness and even laughter, and still grieve your loved one. Laughter truly can be helpful in the healing process and is a healing and healthy release.

Realize that what you may see as a setback is natural and is OK: Grief is a journey; even when you may feel you have begun to heal and re-engage in life, there will be times when your loss still hits you hard. Holidays, birthdays and special dates can be difficult. Seeing a photo of your loved one, hearing stories about them or visiting a place that was special to them can trigger grief to return. Don't be too hard on yourself when this happens or let these emotions frustrate you. It's natural to still have grief resurface in these situations. Being compassionate with yourself is important. No matter where you are in your grief journey, it is also important to know you are not alone.

Delaware Hospice has both adults’ and children’s bereavement counselors available throughout the state. They are here to help individuals and families navigate through grief in a way that is focused on coping and healing. Delaware Hospice also offers a variety of workshops and meetings for families and community as space permits, free of charge. As a trusted community partner in end-of-life education and support, Delaware Hospice strives to provide quality healthcare services to the community. To learn more about bereavement programs, call 302-478-5707 or go to www.delawarehospice.org.

Sondra Satterfield, MSW, LCSW, is manager of Family Support Services for Delaware Hospice.