Coping with the loss of a beloved friend or family member is one of the most challenging things we ever face in life. Grief and sadness can be so deep they sometimes feel debilitating. Our longing to see our loved ones again creates an emptiness that seems impossible to fill. Understanding that death is a natural part of life doesn’t make grief easier, but it may help you remember that grief’s most intensely painful stages will pass with time.

Tips for Coping with Loss

Humans are resilient beings. We endure all types of changes and losses and continue with life as usual. However, losing a special loved one can be life-altering. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a support system to help them get through the challenging stages of grief, and even those that do may not know how to ask for the help they need. It is important to gather your resources and find meaningful ways to cope with your loss during this difficult time.

Honor Your Loved One

Celebrating the life of your loved one is a beautiful way to recall fond memories and share. Honoring a loved one can be done in many ways, both traditional and new. A funeral or burial service complete with a memorial stone to mark their passing is a good place to start. Gathering with friends and family members to share stories about the deceased is both uplifting and sentimental.

You may also choose to honor them in more personal ways such as:

•     Donate to their favorite cause
•     Visit their favorite restaurants, museums, or outdoor spaces
•     Complete their unfinished projects
•     Keep an object of theirs close by
•     Create a scholarship in their name

The best way to acknowledge a loved one may be to live a purposeful life filled with joy and rich experiences.

Accept Your Feelings

Whatever you are feeling during grief, it is normal and natural. People react to loss in a variety of ways, and none of them are wrong. Recognize that mood swings, intense emotions, anger, and exhaustion are all a normal part of the grieving process. Accepting your feelings also means receiving feelings of happiness as they begin to return.

Reach Out to Friends

Don’t forget that other friends and family members are also grieving. Reach out to others and spend time together. Listen to your loved one’s favorite music or prepare his/her favorite meal together. The social connections and time spent in fond remembrance will make you all feel better.

Take Care of Yourself

It is crucial to get enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food while you are grieving. Your system is already feeling the effects of emotional imbalance and needs good physical health to maintain. It is also important to take care of your mental health. Consult with a therapist or grief counselor if you feel depressed, overly anxious, or “stuck” in your grief.

Coping with loss takes different forms for different people. Some people find new hobbies or dedicate hours to volunteerism. The most important strategy is to remember that time really does heal all things. As difficult as it is to lose someone you love, their memory will bring more smiles than tears one day.