![]() |
||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Written by Ron Sterling, M.D. and Published in Northwest Prime Time Magazine
Even when we don't have many regrets, grieving can be complex. Since our mainstream American culture is very "results oriented," we often put a timeline on the grieving process that is much shorter than it should be. In reality, it is impossible to predict how any one person will respond to a particular loss. However, one thing is clear: unresolved feelings add to the stress levels in our lives and make us more irritable, inflexible, depressed and prone to fatigue. It is never too late to take care of unfinished emotional business with a deceased loved one. The most useful techniques for this are writing letters, writing dialogues, and speaking dialogues. Although there is not enough space in this column to describe these therapies in detail, I can give you some starting points and resources. A letter to your mother will give you a chance to privately express your feelings. The process will allow you to verbalize, reflect, revise, and rework your words to say exactly what you really need to say. Here are some questions to help guide you: What experiences have you been through since your mother died? What do you miss? What do you regret? What is still unfinished in your relationship? What do you appreciate about your mother? What do you want to carry on? Each time you review what you have written, ask yourself: Was I open and honest? Did I express my love and appreciation? Did I write about the unfinished emotions and feelings in our relationship? Do I still feel regrets? Are any resentments still bothering me? Have I asked for forgiveness? Have I given forgiveness? It is important to take your time and not to worry about how long the letter might become. Revise it until you feel it is right. Check www.AlexandraKennedy.com for more information about writing and doing dialogues. Finally, I am often asked "What do I do with the letter after it says everything I want it to say? Do I just hold onto it?" Since this is such a personal and private process, I recommend that you destroy such a letter in a meaningful way. For instance, a ritual such as burning the letter and scattering its ashes in the wind can be a way of completing the dialogue process and putting the regrets to a final rest. -- Dr. Ron.
Ron Sterling, M.D. is a 64 year-old General and Geriatric Psychiatrist with a private practice in Seattle. He invites you to e-mail him at with any questions about mental wellness or emotional, relationship, or aging concerns. He is the only person who reads e-mail sent to Dr. Ron. Please be assured that your questions and identities are completely confidential and protected. For more information about Dr. Ron and for resources related to senior mental health, please go to SeniorMentalHealth.org. Read our Disclaimer.
Have a great day!
[ Humor ] [ Activism ] [ Site Index ] [ Offsite Resources ] [ Other Links ] [ The Dopamine Paradox ] [ Think Twice About ADD ] [ Online Help ] [ Biography ] [ Legal Notes ] [ Donations ] [ Contact Us ] RON STERLING, M.D. General Psychiatry with Specialization in Adult Attention Deficit Disorder SeniorMentalHealth.org Phone: 206-784-7842 Updated October 7, 2007 Copyright 2000-2007. Ron Sterling, M.D. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Legal Notices Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |