How to Cope With a Father's Death

Facing the death of a father can be a traumatic experience for a child of any age. Learning to cope with the loss of a parent is something none of us really ever wants to experience, but it is inevitable. Remember that coming to terms with the death of a father happens in a process of stages and is not something that happens overnight.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Father's picture

Instructions

1. Grieve for your father in your own way. Many people grieve outwardly, through tears and expressed emotions, while others grieve inwardly and keep the hurt they feel to themselves. If talking about the situation makes you feel better, then you should express yourself but remember that in the early days of a loss, you aren't obligated to anyone to tell them how you feel. There is no right way to grieve.

2. Consider writing your thoughts in a journal if you don't feel like talking to others. Tape a picture of your father inside this journal so you can see it often. Include your thoughts and feelings about your father's death as well as any special memories you have of his life. Share how he made you feel and the special things he did for you. Reflect on this journal as often as you want.

3. Write your father a letter. Tell him all the things you loved about him and perhaps even the things about him that drove you crazy. Thank him for everything he did for you. Keep this letter in your journal or another special place.

4. Join a support group if you are a people person and need to talk through your feelings. Numerous support groups exist to help those who have lost loved ones and it may be helpful for you to hear from others who are going through the same thing you are.

5. Seek counseling if after a long period of time you still have trouble functioning in your daily life after the loss of your father. If you are a religious person, many churches provide counseling at little or no cost. If not, there are many psychiatrists and bereavement counselors available to help you cope with your loss as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to cope by remembering that even though your father's physical presence is gone, the relationship you had with him still exists. It lives on forever through you. The experiences you shared and the talks you had are always there. Hold tight to your memories, good and bad, and keep the relationship alive despite his death and physical absence.