How to Cope With Loss

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is extremely difficult. The pain can be overwhelming but there are ways to cope with this painful loss.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Allow yourself to cry. It is very important to allow yourself to grieve. Give yourself permission to cry and deal with the pain. Only once you have grieved can you move on with your life.

2. Spend time remembering the happy memories you have of your loved one. Laughing and smiling when you remember someone is perfectly natural and acceptable. Don't deny yourself these happy memories.

3. Surround yourself with people you love. Let them comfort you. Let them help you with daily tasks. Let them help you smile again.

4. Remember that your loved one would not want you to be unhappy. So don't beat yourself up when you find yourself laughing, smiling, and getting back to your everyday life. Forcing yourself to be unhappy once the initial grief has subsided is unhealthy and it does not honor their memory.

5. Give yourself time to recover. Everyone heals in their own time. However if you start having thoughts of suicide or extreme depression tell someone and seek help.

[ampersand]

on 2/27/2009 Great article on a tough subject.

[bradfordr]

on 2/27/2009 This really hits home. I lost my aunt this last year. She was like my second mother.You cannot deny or withold your emotions. You have to allow yourself to feel. I followed that process. You cant speed recovery. You just have to know that time heals. Very good article 5* and recommended!