Funeral Resources

7 Ways to Cope with the
Death of a Loved One

There are a range of options for dealing with your grief in a healthy and conscious way. You may find that some will work for you, and some will not. Some of the activities mentioned below may be difficult or impossible, depending on your mental and emotional state, but the range of options available means you can choose and try as you see fit. Keep in mind that none of these suggestions is a surefire solution, as not everything works for everyone. Let go of your expectations, take your time, and find out what works for you.

If you are religious, you may find comfort in the mourning traditions of your religion. Ritual has a profound effect on the human spirit and can greatly aid the healing process. If you are spiritual, praying or meditating can be soothing exercises and can help you find peace under new circumstances.

The stress of grieving can take its toll on your mind and body, so continuing to meet your emotional and physical needs is of the utmost importance. Don’t neglect your health and well-being. Make sure you continue to eat right, exercise, and make sure to get enough sleep.

While some people prefer to grieve in private, some find talking to people immensely helpful. No one should be expected to grieve alone. Accept assistance when it is offered to you, and let people know if you want to talk. Be specific when expressing your needs to others. Most people want to help, but simply don’t know how.

Research support groups that meet in your area such as in religious groups, counseling centers, and hospice facilities. By talking to others who are grieving, you can find a healthy outlet for your thoughts and feelings amongst people who may be having similar experiences. You can also seek out therapy with a grief counselor, who is trained to assist you in working through your intense emotions. If you are having great difficulty in performing everyday tasks, consult with your physician about your options.

Give yourself time, at least a few months, before making any decisions regarding your loved one’s things. While it was once thought that those grieving should rid themselves of old personal objects in order to “move on,” we now know that people can connect strongly with the person they’ve lost through their belongings.

Holding onto personal objects can help you keep cherished memories alive, and you may gain comfort from the sensory experience of the object. Enjoy the familiar smells, touch, and sounds associated with your memories. It could be wearing their favorite sweater, calling their old phone number once in a while, or carrying a special watch in your pocket.

If you enjoy or thrive on creative expression, you may want to make it part of your grieving process. Take the time to write in a journal, keep a blog, create a memory book or find an outlet in drawing and painting, poetry, or music. If you are ready and willing to engage in activities, try keeping yourself busy doing the things you’ve always enjoyed. Get outside in the fresh air, appreciate your surroundings. Go see a movie, visit your library, take hikes, work in the garden, join a gym or participate in a book club.  Keep up with your favourite projects or perhaps find something new that interests you.