Journaling is faster and more effective than consulting an Ouija board
Unresolved issues and worse, guilt, puts enormous stress on our bodies.
And when we’ve lost a loved one (or maybe not so loved) we can feel either a small or large helping of stress.
According to Webmd.com – https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body#2
Emotional symptoms of stress include:
- Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
- Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
- Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
- Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
- Avoiding others
Physical symptoms of stress include:
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
- Aches, pains, and tense muscles
- Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Frequent colds and infections
- Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
- Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
- Cognitive symptoms of stress include:
- Constant worrying
- Racing thoughts
- Forgetfulness and disorganization
- Inability to focus
- Poor judgment
- Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
You can take something: a small pill or a large drink, but a better approach is to write it all out. Talk to the dead in your journal.
I remember family members who, instead of dealing with, or even acknowledging, the death of a loved one, they instead contracted painful cases of shingles, cancer, displayed emotional instability, were deeply depressed (needing to take some of those small pills) and manifested all sorts of issues that contribute such joy to the holidays. Therapy is fabulous and I recommend it. But you can start out with journaling. – Talk to the dead.
Write out a dialogue starting with I feel so bad that you left me
You left too soon
You finally left too late
Appreciate them
Yell at them
Forgive then
Make it all about you and your process.
If you find that you are circling and circling around a certain theme or subject in your exploration that may the moment to find outside professional help. But you have great notes to take to your first therapy session!
