Grieving individuals urged to seek support
Boikanyo Mathonsi | Tuesday April 23, 2024 09:22
When speaking at a recent event in Gaborone, which focused on navigating the journey of grief, Atholang said she believes in the healing power of communication and the significance of being surrounded by caring companions during tough times. She said: 'It's essential to talk about your feelings and not keep them bottled up inside.
Surround yourself with the right people who will listen and support you through your journey of healing. It's okay to not be okay, but it's important to not go through it alone. Lean on your loved ones and seek professional help if needed. Remember that healing is a process, and it's okay to take your time to grieve and heal.
You are not alone in this journey.' Atholang noted that men, in particular, tend to struggle with expressing their emotions and often keep their pain bottled up inside. As a result, she stressed the importance of men connecting with loved ones and sharing their emotions for a healthier approach to processing grief.
'Men often find it challenging to convey their emotions, and they normally choose to internalise their pain. Encouraging men to connect with their loved ones and express their feelings can lead to a more beneficial and efficient way of dealing with grief,' she remarked. Moreover, clinical therapist Mpho Modipane weighed in, stating that grieving individuals must be intentional about their healing journey. She highlighted the challenge of adjusting to the pain of loss and emphasised the importance of mental strength in overcoming grief. 'Dealing with grief is hard.
You have to make an effort to heal. It's important to find comfort, but it's also important to focus on your mind, not just your heart. 'It's tough to cope with the pain of losing someone, but being mentally strong is key to getting through it. Take control of your thoughts and emotions, and don't be afraid to seek help if you need it.
By doing this, you can move forward and become stronger,' Modipane said. For her part, mentor and faith coach, Kagiso Pontsho said another aspect to the grieving process - forgiveness. She explained that it's important to forgive those who may have been involved in the death of a loved one, as well as the deceased individual.
Pontsho acknowledged that it can be difficult to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, but forgiveness and a pure heart are important in moving forward and finding peace. 'In order to truly heal from the pain of losing a loved one, it's important to practise forgiveness.
This means letting go of any anger or resentment towards those who may have played a role in the death, as well as forgiving the person who has passed away,' Pontsho said. 'Holding onto negative emotions will only hold you back from finding peace and acceptance. By forgiving others and yourself, you can truly begin to move forward and honour the memory of your loved one with a pure heart.'