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Life's Too Short... so make the most of it! Try something new, eat something healthy, grow something beautiful, hug someone you love, move around a lot, and be kind to yourself. Melanie Cole, MS brings you the best tips from lifestyle and fitness experts to the best and brightest medical professionals.

Encore Episode: Dealing with Loss

From the Show: Life's Too Short
Summary: How can you help a grieving loved one?
Air Date: 2/5/19
Duration: 16:10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Guest Bio: Sherry Cormier, PhD
Dr. Sherry CormierSherry Cormier, PhD, is a psychologist, consultant and public speaker. Formerly on the faculty at the University of Tennessee and West Virginia University, she is the author of Counseling Strategies and Interventions for Professional Helpers (Pearson Education, 9th edition) and coauthor of Interviewing and Change Strategies for Helpers (Cengage Learning, 8th edition). She has co-written and co-produced more than 50 training videos for Cengage Learning. Her new book is Sweet Sorrow: Finding Enduring Wholeness After Loss and Grief (Rowman & Littlefield.
Losing someone is incredibly tough. However, we tend to run away from grief situations. It’s easier for things to be happy and light.

We need to process our own sadness instead of running from it. Don’t push friends to move past that grief. Feelings can build up from traumatic losses that aren’t discharged.

Helping Your Mourning Friend

  • Don’t say “I know how you feel.” Everyone has a unique grief journey and healing process.
  • Ask “What can I do to help now?” The bereaved may not have the energy to make a request. Instead of offering to share a meal any time, ask when you can dine together. See when and how you can help.
  • They may feel worse a few months later than when the loss initially occurred. Check in a few months later. They need casseroles and love beyond the first few weeks.
For The Grieving

  • Grief changes over time. 
  • Take breaks from grief to find some happiness as the marathon of feelings continues.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Nurture your immune system.
  • Exercise to elevate mood.
  • Push yourself to be social.
  • There is hope.
Listen as Dr. Sherry Cormier joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share tips for the grieving and how you can help your loved one after loss.