How to Grieve for the Loss of a Sibling

As much as we bicker and fight with our siblings, many people feel that brothers or sisters are their best friends. Siblings share bonds that no one else will ever share, so when one sibling passes away, it can be quite difficult. The grieving process is necessary to help a sibling cope with this loss.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grief counselor
• A memorial fund
• Picture of your sibling or an item that belonged to them
• Friends and family members

1. Find closure. One of the easiest things to do to find closure is simply say goodbye to your sibling at a funeral. It's OK to talk to a tombstone or picture.

2. Cry. It's fine to be sad when you think about your sibling, but don't let it disrupt your daily life too much.

3. Consider speaking at your sibling's funeral.

4. Talk to a grief counselor. A grief counselor can help answer your questions and allow you to learn healthy ways to remember your sibling.

5. Talk to other family members, especially other siblings, about the death. You're not the only person grieving, so spend some time talking with others about the family member you've lost.

6. Remember the happy times. Your sibling wouldn't want you to be sad, and remembering the times when you've had fun together can help you grieve in a healthy way.

7. Keep an item that reminds you of your sibling. This can be anything from a picture to one of their personal items.

8. Talk to an accountant or financial professional if you've inherited anything from your sibling.

9. Set up a memorial fund in honor of your sibling so their friends can make donations to a charity that they would have liked.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to always be respectful of the others grieving for your sibling, even if you do not get along with them.
• Wait until after the funeral to read the will. These are both emotional processes so it's best to approach them separately.
• If you are having thoughts of suicide or otherwise feel you can't deal with the grief, talk to your doctor or counselor immediately.

[snuchida]

on 8/18/2007 I just lost my little brother this year but we weren't close.I was already married when he was born.I know he's my brother but at the funeral I didn't grieve like everyone else.But now after these few months I feel a sense of loss.I don't know whom to turn to since my siblings are at war now.We didn't share anything so I really don't know why I feel this way.Is it because he was so young and I am the oldest?