Tips that will Help you to Cope with the Loss of a Loved One

Have you lost someone very close to you? If this is the case, then you should know that you are certainly not alone. So many people are in the exact same situation as you, right now. That being said, there are things that you can do to try and mourn the loss of your loved one, in a healthy way.

Express your Emotions

Let your emotions be expressed and also make sure that you release them whenever you need to. If you feel as though you need a good cry, then make sure that you let this happen. If you feel it coming on, don’t fight it. Don’t worry if listening to a particular song or doing a particular activity is painful either because there are bound to be triggers in your life. After a while, things will become less painful. You need to tell yourself that you can, and that you absolutely will feel better over time, you just need to give yourself chance to grieve. If you are finding it difficult to express your emotions then you are not alone with this, but you should at least try. If you don’t, then you may find that you end up doing yourself more harm than good, and that you end up making the grieving process last much longer.

Talk About It

Some people find it helpful to talk about it. Try and tell stories of your loved one, and talk about your loss. The more you can talk about your feelings, the better. If you just don’t feel as though you can talk about your feelings just yet then this is also okay. You should not feel pressured to talk, and nobody should pressure you into talking either. It’s completely normal to be on both sides of the spectrum when it comes to grief, so give yourself time and know that the way you are feeling is very, very normal.

Find Ways to Express your Emotions

Even if you just don’t feel like talking, you need to try and find ways to express both your emotions and your thoughts. Start writing in a journal about all of the memories that you have and let all of your thoughts come out. Sometimes it may help you to write about the way that you feel by writing a song. When you write a song about the way that you feel, or about the memories that you have, you will soon find that things feel easier. You can share the song you have written with others, or you can choose to keep it private if you want.

Preserve your Memories

Create a tribute to the person who has passed by planting a tree for them. You might also want to try and create a garden so that you can honor the person in a way that is fitting for them. If you know that your loved one loved to fish then why not create a wildlife pond, and put a sign up for them? You can also try and take part in a charity walk if you want. You can get people to donate to your cause if you do this and it is a great way for you to make sure that everyone is able to show their support. It’s also a good idea for you to try and have some pictures of your loved one displayed. A lot of people choose to put these pictures around their funeral urns, to create a memorable display.

Make a Memory Box

Make a memory box or even a folder that reminds you of your loved one. This could include having photos, quotes or even mementos. If you can, try and write a letter to your loved one who is no longer with you. Although you will never be able to send this letter to them, you should know that it can give you closure and it can also help you to talk about your feelings more. If you create something special like this, then whenever you are low, you can flick through it so you can be reminded of all of the happy times you have had. If you have lost a loved one and they have a treasured watch, then add that to your box. If you have a wristband from a festival that you went to with them, include that as well. Little things like this will help you to look back on your memories with fondness, not to mention that it will also make it much easier for you to keep your little treasures free from harm.

Join a Support Group

If you think that you’d be interested, why not think about joining a support group for grief? Ask a counsellor, a religious leader, parent or anyone else to see if they can help. The option that you go for will really depend on your age and the support network that you have, but either way, it’s important for you to know that you are not alone and that it’s more than possible for you to have the support of others. Sometimes you just need to ask for it, and the sooner you realize this, the better. Of course, if you don’t feel like seeking support then this is okay as well. It’s not for everyone, but that being said, you need to know that it is there for when you need it.

Of course, losing someone close to you is not an easy process. Sometimes you may feel as though the grief lasts for years and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. This is not the case at all, in fact, things will get easier before you know it. If you feel as though you are becoming depressed and losing interest in the things around you, then it’s a good idea for you to try and make sure that you are seeking the right kind of help for this. It’s very normal for you to feel this way, but recognizing when you need help is so important.