Practical Strategies to Deal with Grief and Loss

Enough is Enough has commenced a Memory Book for those who have lost a loved one through traffic accident

Grief and loss as a result of trauma responses eg. sudden accidents, violent events or disasters is complex and requires special understanding. It can leave a feeling of disorientation and unreality for those grieving. The need to understand and make ‘meaning’ out of these traumatic events often becomes a priority.

Honouring the memory of a loved one is an important part of the grief process. Often there is an unconscious fear of forgetting the meaning the relationship held for us or the unique attributes of a person we have lost.

A way to honour our special memories can be by creating a ‘memory box’.

A ‘memory box’ is somewhere we can hold our treasured memories, perhaps of special photos and memorabilia, included stories or sayings that were part of your relationship with this person. By writing down as much as you can remember, favourite foods, favourite times, music, you create a sacred space to come back to. This is a place that ‘holds the special memories’ so you know they are safe and you can connect with them when you want. This can be an ongoing process as part of the grieving – a place to return to as you gradually remember the special memories of a loved one.

This process also brings into ‘reality’ the loss which can be particularly difficult after a traumatic or sudden loss.

An important part of integrating loss in these special circumstances is through the therapeutic process so that any symptoms of trauma can be understood. Meaning can be made by the retelling of the story.

- by Deborah, Enough is Enough Counsellor