How to Cope With The Death of a Loved One

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By Oregonwildlifer
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Cope With The Death of a Loved One

Loosing a loved one is never easy, and many people feel guilty about how they react.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Give yourself permission to feel emotions. Cry everyday for 3 months if that is what you need to do. Get angry. Rant, rave. Bottling up emotions stops the healing process, and makes you feel terrible for much longer.
Step 2

Give yourself permission to be happy. Enjoying life does not dishonour the memory of your loved one. Don't feel guilty when the wrenching sadness goes away and you can feel happy for a few minutes. You are not forgetting about the one you love, you are merely healing from the loss.
Step 3

Let your partner in on how you feel. If you don't feel like talking and just want a shoulder to cry on, tell them. If you want to talk everyday about that person, clue them in. Many people don't know what to do when another has lost someone they love, and usually avoid or try to distract that person.
Step 4

After the initial shock has worn off, stick to your schedule. It will give you an opportunity to take your mind off your grief, and help you feel productive.
Step 5

If you belong to a church or a religious organization, spend some time with the leaders talking through your feelings. They have many resources available to them to help you.
Step 6

Realize that life will be different from now on. Life never goes back to the way it was before you lost your loved one, but that does not mean that different is bad. You will always carry your loved one in your heart, and think of them. Live your life with the happy memories of them to keep you company.

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