The death of a loved one is one of the top ten most stressful events you can experience, according to the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale. Whether your loved one has died from a serious chronic illness or a sudden, unexpected event, you're never prepared for the experience. Facing the death of a loved one is extremely painful. There's no real right or wrong way to grieve, but certain actions can help you cope. If you think you're having extreme difficulties, consider seeking the advice of a professional therapist or grief counselor.
Step 1
Get support from others. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, clergyman or counselor. It's healthy and normal to process your feelings about the loss. After a death, others may want to help you but they might not always know how, according to Help Guide. Ask them for help with activities that might seem overwhelming at first, such as housework and child care.
Step 2
Acknowledge your feelings to yourself. Write your feelings down in a journal. If you don't always feel like talking it over with someone, writing can be a healthy way to process your feelings or record your memories. According to the Mayo Clinic, admitting to feeling pain is part of the healing process.
Step 3
Realize that it is okay to mourn openly. Mourning is part of the grieving process, involving both your external and internal expressions of grief. Don't be embarrassed or make excuses if you cry in public or have a hard time keeping yourself together.
Step 4
Spend some time in nature. Try to do this at least once a day. Go for a walk in a tranquil park or by the beach. Having some alone time with nature can help you relax, reflect and process your feelings.
Step 5
Do something to memorialize your loved one. You can do this in whatever way feels right to you. Whether you plant a tree or create a memorial scrapbook, you may find it helpful to have some way of honoring your loved one.
Step 6
Treat yourself with kindness. It's okay if you can't handle everything on your own. It's normal to feel like you can't handle it at all. Try to eat right and get enough sleep. Don't take on any additional responsibilities right now.
