The loss of a loved one to death is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, experiences a person can have. Managing the emotions that come is extremely difficult. It does not matter if the death was unexpected or was the result of a long illness, you will still grieve. There are some things you can do to lessen the pain of your loss and allow you to cope during the difficult time ahead.
Step 1
Accept that you are going to grieve and don't fight the feelings that arise. Grief occurs in typical stages. The stages are: refusing to believe the loved one has passed; being angry; negotiating in which you try to bargain to get your loved one back; sadness; and finally acceptance of the death.
Step 2
Let others know how they can help you. Everyone always says "let me know what I can do to help" so take them up on it. Tell them if you need a meal, a ride, or a companion for difficult appointments, such as going to the funeral home.
Step 3
Talk about your loved one. Share stories, even if you told the same ones multiple times in the past. Let others share their favorite memories about the deceased with you. Celebrate the deceased's life as you are able.
Step 4
Give extra thought to any decisions you make while you are coping with your loved ones death. Don't make rushed decisions about major things such as changing residence. Your thinking is probably not the clearest during this time.
Step 5
Stay physically active while you are grieving. Get out in the fresh air and sunshine, if at all possible. The activity and natural light will help lift your spirits.
Step 6
Start a journal and write in it when feelings of anger and sadness are raging. Letting it out onto paper provides necessary release.
Step 7
Do something you enjoy and that helps bring you peace. Take care of a garden, read a best seller, visit old friends, babysit an infant or anything else in which you find joy.
Step 8
Stop trying to figure out how you are supposed to act and feel. There is no rule book governing your experience. Don't let anyone tell you to act or feel a certain way. Everyone is different and one person may feel and act differently from another.
