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Step 1
Talking with someone about your feelings is always helpful in coping with any loss, including the loss of a child. Any time you are feeling depressed or having destructive thoughts, you are advised to talk to someone close to you in order to alleviate your pain--someone like your best friend, your spouse, your parents or anyone particularly dear to you.
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Step 2
Always keep busy. If you spend most of your time at home, don't just sit around. Sitting around while trying to deal with tragedy can cause depression and thoughts of suicide. Clean your house, work in your garden, get out of the house (preferably with some friends) or do anything else that can at least partially take your thoughts off your tragedy for a while.
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Step 3
Try not to dwell completely on the loss. Losing a child can be hard not to think about, but if you fixate on it too much, you may develop a deep depression. Talk to your friends whenever you feel as though you are dwelling too much on the situation.
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Step 4
Consider joining a support group. Some communities offer support programs in an effort to offer condolences to families who have lost their children. These support groups are very useful in getting you back into a routine where you don't wallow as much in your pain. Joining these support groups generally costs nothing; they are available in most communities, and are usually sponsored by churches, some hospitals (usually in the case of parents who have lost smaller children) and some mortuaries. To see if there are any of these support groups in your area, contact your local hospital, mortuary or chamber of commerce.
