How to Cope with Grief and Loss

“I don’t know how to cope with grief”

You are here because of the death of a loved one. Or because of another type of painful and irreversible way of losing a loved one. And you don’t know how to cope.

You’re not alone.

You do not have to deal with your grief unsupported. It takes time to deal with loss and mourn. And each person’s grief and grieving process is unique. But there is help available.

Friends and family, a professionally licensed grief counselor or therapist, and support groups are all good resources to help you through this time.

What Grief Feels Like

Grief is different for every person. Some may experience grief as waves of emotion, loneliness and longing for what was. Others may feel trapped on a roller coaster with fear and anger and even guilt strapped in with them.

Sometimes, its hard to wrap your own mind around how grief feels, much less explain it to others.

Here is a free download that puts it all into words. Words that may just help you process what you’re experiencing, and grasp that you’re not the only one who feels that way too.

What Grief Feels Like: Putting words to what you're going through, from the inside out.

Free Download

Are You Wondering “How Do I Deal With Grief?”

Feelings of grief are often overwhelming. And the physical symptoms of grief are real. Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, heart health, and so much more.

You may be wondering if you’ll ever come to terms with your loss, or even feeling guilty because there’s something you “should” have done or said before your loved one died.

All of these things are common to the grief process. People who have lost a loved one deal with them and find a way out the other side.

You can too!

How To Cope While You Grieve a Loved One

When you grieve a loved one, there is no right or wrong way to feel. But by understanding the grieving process, you’ll find coping with loss a little more manageable. Because knowing that time alone isn’t enough, you must also work towards healing, or you risk getting stuck in complicated grief.

5 Keys to Coping with Loss

While there are many types of grief, there are several things that help most people who are grieving a significant loss. Some are healthier than others. Here are a few to get you started.

1. Give yourself permission to grieve. No matter what it looks like, this loss has impacted you, and you’re allowed to have feelings about it.

2. Take care of yourself, and your basic physical needs (food, rest, movement, hygiene, medical issues). The mind and heart will take time to work through the grief. Don’t neglect what your body needs in the meantime.

3. Give yourself room to process. Journal, pray, think. But don’t isolate yourself too much.

4. Talk to safe people. That may mean friends and family, or professional counseling.

5. Avoid making major decisions too soon. Bereavement can cause you to make major changes or refuse to change anything. Give yourself some time to grieve your loved one so that you can make clearer, more thoughtful decisions.