Losing someone close to us is one of the hardest things we have to endure. Feelings of loss, grief, confusion, sadness, even fear, can take over if we are not careful.  Luckily there are tools we can use to make sure we process and handle the grief in a healthy way. One of these tools is journaling. If you are struggling after your loved one’s cremation services in Camden, SC., journaling may be able to help.

Journaling has proven to be a helpful tool in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress. It is easy to do, doesn’t require any fancy equipment, and anyone can do it. Also, there are very few actual “rules” so how and when you journal can truly be customized to your preferences.

What You Need

The first thing you need is a notebook and a pen or pencil. That’s it. If you would like, you can purchase an actual writing journal from a bookstore or online, but you can also use a simple spiral school notebook. The important thing here is that you use paper and pen or pencil.

While you may be tempted to write on your laptop or iPad, there is a different type of connection you make with the words and your thoughts when you actually write them out with your hand. If typing is the only way you will journal, then that is better than not doing it at all, but the number one way to go is by far, physically writing out your thoughts.

How to Start

Once you have your notebook, you may be a little intimidated by the blank page starring back at you. Don’t be. Take a deep breath and release any judgment or preconceived ideas of how this should go. Allow yourself the freedom to just write. 

Write whatever you feel. Don’t stop yourself because you are afraid of what it may seem like if someone else were to read it. This journal is for your eyes only so allow your thoughts to be expressed.  

If you need help getting started, you could find journal prompts online. You can also write about things like: 

• What you miss most about your loved one 
• Something you wanted to tell them while they were still here 
• What has changed since they have been gone 
• Anything you have been able to find joy in since they have passed 

Also, don’t feel you have to write in complete sentences and/or complete paragraphs. You could write in a list format, or bullet points. You can even doodle ideas, draw meaningful words in bubble letters, create a picture out of certain words, whatever you want.

How Often Should You Journal? 

It’s important to make journaling a regular part of your life. If you can’t promise to do it every day, try every other day. To help make it a habit, try and pair it with another activity you do regularly. For example, many people like to journal in the morning while they drink their cup of coffee, or at night before they go to bed.   

While journaling isn’t a magic answer that will take away your feelings of loss and sadness, it is a way to work though the feelings in a healthy way. If you need further help in dealing with the loss of a loved one after their cremation services in Camden, SC., don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. We are here for you and can connect you with grief support resources you need anytime.