How to Get through the Grieving Process

After the loss of a loved one, just getting through the day seems difficult. Allow yourself enough time to grieve, and give yourself as much time as you need. We all cope with loss in different ways. Understand there are no hard rules for the recovery process.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Do not feel guilty to begin the healing process. Doing fun things or experiencing happiness might feel like betrayal. Your loved one wants you to be happy. Moving on is not betrayal.

2. Expect to go through some weird or unexpected emotions. Anger, denial, shock, and depression are a few you can expect to experience.

3. Honor your loved one by paying tribute to the memory of their life. During the grieving process we focus on death. During the healing process we honor life!

4. Be open about your needs! One thing you will need is a support system. Do not be ashamed or too proud to ask for help! People want to help you, they just might not know how!

Tips & Warnings

• You will have good days and bad days. Have faith in your recovery and know that the pain will lesson!
• If you experience extreme or lasting depression, please seek professional help. Seek help if you have suicidal ideation.

[mikimoco]

on 12/14/2008 Thank you Amanda for the sensitive, understanding, and thoughtful article. It will be a service to all who eventually will go through this. I plan to recommend you and will learn who to rate articles soon.

[sneedc]

on 11/19/2008 thank you for this.

[rjessiegreen]

on 11/16/2008 After losing my mom and then my grandmom, I felt I couldn't have needed a mom more to help get me through it. It takes time.

[leanan]

on 10/5/2008 Nice article, very helpful.

[pappy537]

on 9/11/2008 I lost my best friend in Iraq after I went home on leave for two weeks, I was to be with him when he got killed in action. Its been 4 years now and I honor his memory almost every day. RIP Ronald Baker, Oct 04