Grief is an emotion we all experience at some point in our lives. When a loved one passes away, it can be difficult to come to terms with the news and handle all the associated emotions.
Though there isn’t a right or wrong way to grieve, many people find comfort in expressing their feelings and memories of the deceased on social media. The venue for Smart Strategies for Successful Living shares why social media is the perfect channel for memorializing your beloved and how to do it effectively:
Why Share on Social Media?
However complicated emotions may be, social media is an excellent platform for expressing them. It allows us to share our thoughts and sentiments with friends and family who may not be able to attend services or offer condolences in person.
Social media also gives us an opportunity to connect with people from different parts of our lives and to heal, knowing we have support from all angles. We can use social media to create a digital memory book or tribute page with photos, videos, stories, quotes, poems, or anything else that reminds us of our loved ones and helps to keep their memory alive forever.
Practicing Online Etiquette
Etiquette still applies when speaking about loss on social media. Try to respect other people’s privacy by not tagging anyone in posts related to death without first asking permission. If you do post about death online, avoid using overly graphic language or images, as some viewers may find it traumatic or even offensive. Instead, focus on celebrating the life your departed family member or friend lived.
Further, always remain aware of your tone when posting online. It should be respectful yet sympathetic toward those who are mourning alongside you.
Thoughtful, Creative Ways To Share The News
If you decide to share the news on social media platforms, there are many creative ways to do so. You could create a short video montage featuring old family photos set against meaningful music, write a heartfelt poem that expresses your feelings, or compile fun memories into an Instagram story. Some other ideas include:
- Live streaming a virtual service dedicated solely to remembering your loved one.
- Creating posts featuring meaningful quotes or scriptures.
- Making sure everyone knows how much love was felt through thoughtful comments on each other’s posts.
- Keeping up to date with what everyone is doing by responding back quickly.
- Commenting on any articles related to grief or coping strategies that could help others who are going through similar situations.
- Starting a Twitter chain thanking people for their support and generosity during this difficult time.
Memorial Plaques
Social media isn’t the only strategy to celebrate the life of your loved one. A memorial plaque is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor a loved one who has passed away. It’s a physical reminder of the love and celebration that person received during their life and ensures their memory will be preserved for years to come.
There is a wealth of appealing cast bronze plaques, which are a timeless and elegant choice for memorials. They’re durable, the material will last for decades in any weather conditions, and you can customize their textures, thickness, and other features.
Relieving Stress While Grieving
Grief impacts every person differently, and those affected are often unsure of how best to proceed with handling their sadness and pain after losing someone close to them. It’s essential to practice self-care and reduce stress during these times. Take time off work if necessary, talk openly about your feelings (if you’re comfortable doing so), and don’t isolate yourself. Remember to reach out for help whenever you need it.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be alone as you remember your loved one. Social media is a major part of most people’s lives today, and you can take advantage of its capabilities to honor your loved one while coping with your own mourning process.
Remember to practice online etiquette, think of creative ways to tell people about your loss, manage your stress, and follow the other tips above. Most importantly, reach out to others if you realize you need a shoulder to lean on.
If you enjoyed this article, you can find more successful living tips on our website for Smart Strategies for Successful Living.
Written by: Susan Good
Susan Good recently retired from teaching after 38 years. And although she misses engaging with students, especially the satisfaction they feel when a concept finally clicks, she gets fulfillment these days from continuing to teach through her website at http://retirededucator.org. At Retired Educator, she shares lessons and resources on reading and writing for students, young and old.