I Can't Do This

I can’t do this. I can’t handle this. I’m here to tell you: Yes, you can. It will be hard, and unfortunately there’s no way to sidestep the pain, but you can do this. You can come through this darkness, and you can be okay.

Unfortunately, the only way through it is through it. No one and nothing can take the pain away. No amount of drugs, alcohol, destructive behavior, or endless distractions will help you avoid or lessen what is yours alone to experience.

If you find yourself slipping farther and faster, your hold on everything is still tenuous and unraveling quickly, or you realize you’ve arrived at an “uh-oh” point, contact a health care professional—a grief counselor, psychiatrist, or a doctor. Help is always available. In addition to counseling, you may be given medication to help you cope with the strain.