Self-Care After Loss

The Challenges of Self-Care in Grief
Grieving someone you loved deeply changes everything, including your most basic routines. It may sound strange, but one of the hardest things for me after losing my sister, Trina, was taking care of myself in even the simplest ways. Tasks like brushing my teeth or taking a shower suddenly felt impossible. These things might seem small, but in the depths of grief, they can feel like monumental hurdles.

Why Self-Care Can Feel So Hard in Grief
When you’re grieving, survival takes priority over everything else. Often, tasks that used to be second nature become heavy burdens. For me, showering didn’t just feel like a chore—it felt like an unnecessary effort when every ounce of energy was focused on simply existing without my sister. I knew that I’d feel better after showering, but the effort to get there often felt like too much to handle.

Seeking Help: How My Mental Health Journey Evolved
In the aftermath of my sister’s death, my mental health also needed support. Before Trina passed away, I had been on a small dose of Lexapro to manage anxiety. After her loss, though, my doctor adjusted my dose to help me cope with the new depths of sadness and loss. This change eventually helped lift some of the fog, making daily routines like showering and brushing my teeth feel a bit more manageable.

Being Kind to Yourself Through Grief
If you’re going through this, please know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel that even the simplest tasks are difficult—grief is exhausting in every way possible. Taking care of yourself isn’t always easy, and some days, it’s simply enough to get through. When you’re ready, try to find those small moments of self-care. Be patient with yourself; grief doesn’t have a timeline.

Choosing Life After Loss
I know how hard it is to keep moving forward. The pain of loss is deep, and it changes us forever. But I’m here to remind you: keep going, even if it’s just one small step each day. Take it one moment at a time, and allow yourself the grace to do what you can. I’m proud of you for choosing life after loss, and I’m cheering you on, every step of the way.