As we inch toward our 150^th anniversary here at Oswald’s, I find myself in a state of grief much more than usual. I see the daily Instagram posts and the slideshow of both familiar and unfamiliar faces, and I grieve for the people we have lost along the way. The owners, employees, and customers who will not be here to celebrate with us, but who were so integral in making us the pharmacy we are today. This grief led me on a search for healthy and not-so-healthy ways to process loss to maintain a positive outlook and live each day to the fullest.

As humans, we can be overcome with grief from any type of loss, from the loss of a job to the loss of a loved one, and unfortunately, both our brains and our bodies are affected by these losses. It surprised me to learn that our risk of a heart attack increases by 21 times the first 24 hours after the loss of a loved one and continues to be six to eight times above normal for the first week post-loss. This is due to intense grief-emotions increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and incidence of blood clot formation. It is essential that we monitor grieving individuals during this trying period and offer support, even if it’s just to listen.

There are several steps we must go through to process grief. These include acknowledging the loss, allowing ourselves to feel the emotions (sadness, anger, etc.), seeking support from friends, family or professionals,  engaging in coping mechanisms (exercise, gardening, meditation or basically anything that brings joy), practicing self-care (healthy-eating, getting enough sleep), remembering and reflecting (sharing stories of our loved ones), and focusing on the future (finding new routines or a new purpose). Even with these steps, we must remember that not everyone will grieve the same, as the experience of losing someone or something is unique to each person. Importantly, as we grieve, we should not isolate ourselves entirely, as this can deepen our anguish, and we should focus on healthy coping mechanisms, avoiding excessive alcohol and illicit substances.

As a community, we must support one another. Be there for a friend in need. Give an extra hug. Pass down a story. Keep a memory alive.