5 Things to Keep in Mind During this Very Difficult Time | Orlando Grief Counseling

In light of the recent tragedy at Pulse Nightclub, I think it’s important for all of us to try to keep the following in mind as we mourn the loss of significant others, friends, family, and our sense of security. No one can ever be prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude, but if we remember to lean on each other we can slowly come out of the darkness and into the light. No words alone can take away all the pain but I am writing this in hopes that it can bring at least a small amount of comfort and solutions to all of us during this difficult time.

1. You are not alone. As isolating as this may seem to some, especially if you lost a loved one in this, please remember: you are not alone. Please reach out – either to a friend, colleague, family member or a counselor – people are available for you and together we can get through this. You just need to reach out. We are one human family so please, please reach out to someone.

2. Give yourself time to mourn. Mourning is a process. Take your time. It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to cry and it’s okay to be angry. As humans we experience a wide range of emotions during times like these. Don’t suppress these emotions, experience and express them in your time. One of the worst things you can do is swallow it down. Just give yourself time to do mourn.

3. Care for yourself by knowing your limits. This means turn off the news and social media occasionally if you need to. It’s a lot to take in and the media tends to barrage us with information. It can be constant. This will continue to effect your mood and fill your living space, your car, your life, with sadness. If you need to, remember you can turn it off, unplug yourself, even if it’s just for a few hours.

4. Find your outlet. For some it’s painting or writing. Others it’s exercise such as working out, running, or bicycling. Find something you enjoy that you can do and get completely lost in. This is something that you can do for some time after you unplug as described in number 3 above. There are many therapeutic benefits to this. It’s important to care for yourself during such a tragic time.

5. Give. Give your time, donate blood, provide food and supplies. I suggest giving for two reasons: the obvious reason is because we are in a time of need. There is a genuine need for what YOU can offer. Why not give it? This community has really responded in so many amazing ways. It makes me so proud to live here and be part of this community. The second reason to give is because giving/volunteering etc simply makes you feel good. It’s just an added benefit of helping others: you help yourself in the process.

This one horrific act has given birth to so much goodwill and love in our city. Love and unity is pouring in from every inch of our community and from the farthest corners of the world. It’s important to remember that love always wins, no matter what. The City Beautiful has never been as beautiful as it is right now. Remember to focus on that love. It’s that love that will carry us through.