How to Cope After Loss of Love

Losing a loved one leaves some people devastated and unable to move forward. Loss due to death, divorce, suicide or simply ending a relationship causes many to feel empty, lonely or experience emotional pain. Ways exist to deal with losing a loved one. Cope after loss of love by connecting with others who have successfully journeyed a similar path. In addition, contemplate the following suggestions.

Instructions

1. Accept your emotions. Sources say when dealing with loss of love feelings suffered include hopelessness, fear, despair, denial, anger, frustration, guilt, shock, grief and loneliness. Accepting these and other emotions leads to recovery and begins the process of developing coping tools.

2. Contact support groups to help cope. Joining groups that help people deal with losing loved ones provides both professional and social support. Individuals who head these groups generally possess a license or education specific to this type of assistance. Additionally, support groups offer attendees social connections with other people experiencing similar situations.

3. Understand that past experiences may make current circumstances more difficult. For example, prior death of a loved one such as a parent could cause feelings of abandonment for someone dealing with loss of love. In addition, a past history of criticism for being overweight or skinny may trigger shame related emotions. If issues from the past arise, use the current circumstance to re-examine past hurts and heal them.

4. Consider professional counseling, coaching or pastoral services. Seeking support from trained professionals removes pressure from you to handle the loss on your own. This method also gives others the opportunity to offer unbiased support through deep listening. In addition, explore other ways to cope after loss of love such as reading books or articles about losing loved ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek professional help immediately if suicidal thoughts cross your mind after experiencing the loss of a love. Additionally, pay close attention to personal physical changes such as dramatic sleep, appetite or weight loss that may indicate the onset of depression.