How to Deal With the Death of a Best Friend

Best friends may share a bond as strong or stronger than family. Friends may be there for each other through hard times and milestones, such as weddings or births. When a best friend dies it leaves an enormous void. There are ways to work through the grieving process.

Instructions

1. Remember the laughs you had. Depending on how your best friend died, you may have recent memories of an illness or accident. Focus on fun things you did together and happier times.

2. Cry when you need to. Grieving is normal and healthy. A best friend may have been the person who helped you through difficult times. With her gone you may feel alone. Crying helps release anger and sadness.

3. Write down your thoughts. You may be finding it hard to concentrate on other things. Writing down your feelings may help you sort through all of the emotions you feel.

4. Spend time with other friends. Talk with others who knew your best friend. Get back into everyday life. Go out and have fun. Go to the movies, exercise or take a vacation. It is all right to get on with life.

5. Do something in your best friends honor. Raise money for her favorite charity. Donate money in his name. Volunteer for a cause he or she believed in. Make a scrapbook of her life and give it to her parents.

6. Join a support group. Some people feel it helps to discuss feelings of loss with others going through the same thing. Contact your local hospital and ask for information about grief support groups.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself time. It takes time to work through the grieving process. Be patient with yourself.

• Seek professional help if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms of depression such as sleep disturbances, feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of suicide.

• Don't turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with your feelings.

• Don't feel you should just "get over it." Everyone grieves differently. There is no right or wrong way to mourn the loss of a best friend.