Avoiding things that remind of departed loved ones may not help, according to Livence Mental Health Founder and Managing Director Ron Gabriel Peji.

In an exclusive interview on DZRH, Peji shared that the most effective way to successfully navigate the grieving process is to face the things that remind the person.

“Wag nating ilayo yung sarli natin doon sa mga alaala nung mga mahal natin sa buhay,” Peji said, “Kasi minsan akala ng iba, o dapat daw para maka-move on tayo agad, dapat iwasan na natin yung mga bagay na magpapaalala sa atin doon sa mga mahal natin sa buhay na namayapa na.”

He explained that the goal of the grieving process is not to forget the memories of loved ones who have passed, but to reach a point where remembering them no longer brings overwhelming sadness. Instead, one should feel a sense of relief, joy, peace, and gratitude for having had the chance to share moments with them.

“So hindi natin siya maa-achieve kapag patuloy nating iiwasan yung mga alaala nila,” he said, stressing that avoiding the reminders of those who have passed does not aid the healing process.

He further explained that abruptly removing things that serve as reminders of departed loved ones, or even ex-partners can actually worsen the grief experienced, especially when the separation from those reminders happens suddenly.

“So bigyan natin ng kaunting time yung sarili natin na dumaan nang dahan-dahan, paunti-unti doon sa natural na proseso ng grief,” he stated.

“Hindi talaga siya makakatulong kung biglaan nating itatapon yung mga gamit, o bigla nating iaalis o ihihiwalay yung sarili natin dun sa mga memories nila, “ Peji added.