Grieving is Hard Work!


Tip #5

Of all the things that helped me to move forward in my grief work, reading the book The Mood Cure by Julia Ross and following her advice was by FAR the most helpful. Here are some of her suggestions in short. I highly recommend you get her book and read it thoroughly for the best results. It is available at amazon.com


Try to eat healthy! Grieving is hard work and it takes a huge toll on your body. You are likely to be depleted in many of the nutrients you need to have a stable mood.

Your body may cry out for starchy or sugary foods. Don't listen!! Do your best to stay away from sugar and white flour. Sugar will cause some physical symptoms like fibromyalgia to worsen. Aches and pains are common for people who suffer from depression. Starches especially white flour may make your depression worsen. It does for me. Try cutting out as much white flour as you can.
Also try to eat a portion of protein at every meal. Yes, even breakfast!! Bacon, eggs or even peanut butter or nuts. Protein will help maintain a stable mood pattern.
Add as many fruits and vegetables to your diet as possible.

Avoid caffeine if possible. But be careful. Stopping a caffeine habit suddenly may cause your depression symptoms to worsen for a short period of time. (3 days to 2 weeks). The worst time will be the first 3 days. Tell someone close to you what you are doing if you decide to eliminate caffeine. That way they can monitor you for severe depression. Caffeine made me jittery and added to my anxiety. It may not have the same effect on you.

Take daily vitamins.

Take a fish oil supplement. Omega 3's will help curb your cravings for sugars and starches. It really does!! I was a sugarholic before. The fish oil is good for your brain and has many other health benefits. I found I preferred the Mason brand Glucosamine with Fish Oil the best. (no burping fishy taste - yuk!)

You will need to read Julia’s book to find other very helpful supplements that you can find over-the-counter in most drug stores next to the vitamins. These supplements will have an almost immediate effect on your mood.

As always, if you are depressed to the point that you are thinking about hurting yourself, get help.

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