Dr. Saranita Shares Her Story of Grief

Some of our current and former patients have reached out after watching a recent Dateline NBC segment inquiring if Dr. Julie Saranita was featured in an extremely tragic episode last week. We do confirm it is our very own, Dr. Saranita and this post provides information and her hopes, tools for others who are experiencing grief, challenges and/or stressful times.

Dateline NBC Link: https://www.discusspw.com/event/dateline-nbc-open-water-preview-january-8-2021/

In 2006, Dr. Saranita's aunt, Micki died in what was at the time an unsolved mystery. She had what appeared to have tragically fallen from a cruise ship balcony and her body was later recovered in the Mediterranean Sea.

It would take over a decade with Dr. Saranita working with the FBI and other agencies to learn that her aunt was murdered and to obtain justice for the murder.

The Dateline NBC segment highlights the circumstances surrounding the death of Micki with Dr. Saranita working hand-in-hand with FBI agents to determine whether Micki's former husband was involved in her death. For years, Dr. Saranita bravely worked to provide the FBI with information which was later used to prosecute and convict Micki's former husband with murder. Her aunts' body provided clues when she couldn't speak for herself through the science of autopsy. It was learned her aunt did not die in the water, but was killed before she was found in the sea.

Dr. Saranita and her family dealt with grief and tragedy for over a decade and today, Dr. Saranita is in hopes others experiencing grief or challenge understand they are not alone. We recently sat down with Dr. Saranita and here are some important tools she shares for anyone experiencing grief, stress and challenge.

1. The Value of Being Where You Are

When going through grief give yourself a place to feel it, sit with it and allow yourself the opportunity to recognize it. Some people spend time in nature or a place that comforts them, allowing yourself time alone to be where you are in the grief process.

There is an old saying, what we resist persists and that can be especially true for what we do not want to feel.

2. Pour Back into Yourself

Part of the challenge with grief is feeling as though you still have to be everything to everyone. During challenging periods in life with grief, stress or depression it is important to allow yourself time to pour back into yourself. Refill your cup. Be intentional about setting aside time daily to do something you find relaxing. Whether it is reading, gardening, cooking, walking or anything else that you can do to take your mind away to a calm place. Work to avoid feelings of guilt for allowing yourself time to take care of yourself.

3. Say Yes

Many of us resist allowing others into our challenging and at times messy worlds. We resist allowing others to help, provide a listening ear or the presence to just sit and be with us. Resist the urge to isolate and do it alone. Allow friends, neighbors or family to cook you a meal, sit with you or provide emotional support.

4. No Self-Medication

As a physician grieving through an extraordinary period I too understand the heaviness and persistence of grief, but I urge you do not succumb to the temptation of thinking that you know yourself and what you can handle. Without realizing it, you can end up addicted to alcohol, medication or drugs. If you already have a chronic illness or chronic pain please speak with your provider about your circumstances and do not suffer alone. Together you and your provider can determine what treatment options are best for you.

The course of grief is unpredictable. For example, anniversary reactions can last for days at a time. During a reaction or during the grief process you can experience the following below. Be sure to speak with your provider about your symptoms.

5. Allow Yourself Happiness

While you walk through the shadows of grief's trials, do not feel guilty when you bask in the light that you will eventually see. No matter what your grief or challenge you will rediscover peace in your own time. With time comes acceptance. Your journey like mine is proof of your strength and humanity.

Finding joy after a challenging period such as grief or loss does not mean you have forgotten your loved one or the situation. Many people postpone their healing because they feel guilty. 

6. Speak With Your Provider

It does not matter if it is your pain management physician, Ob-Gyn, urologist or family physician, but do share what you are experiencing with a trusted provider. Grief, stress, loss impact all of your body systems. It is important your provider has a greater picture and understanding of your complete health.

Author
South Lake Pain Institute

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