There’s no right way to cope with loss, but there are plenty of wrong ways. We all suffer a painful loss at some point in our lives, whether it’s the death of someone close to us or the closing of a business we’ve worked hard to build.
No matter what you’re facing, it can be helpful to know there are coping techniques that have worked for others who have gone through similar struggles.
I’m not going to tell you what they are because they won’t work for everyone but here are some things I’ve learned from my own experience:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Coping with grief and loss is a journey that requires time, self-care, and support from loved ones. |
| Building a support system and finding strength in community can make a big difference in the healing process. |
| Finding purpose and meaning in life after loss can help bring hope and healing. |
| Self-care is an essential part of the healing process and can help manage the pain of grief. |
| Everyone’s grief journey is different, and it’s important to allow yourself to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. |
It’s Okay To Feel Sad
It’s not just okay it’s natural, normal and necessary for your healing process. You can’t expect yourself to be happy all the time or feel sorry for yourself when you are hurting.
Instead of trying to avoid feeling sad, embrace your feelings and allow them to guide your healing journey as they come out of you.
Don’t be afraid to cry (even if it feels weird).
“No one should have to go through grief alone. Building a support system is crucial for healing and finding hope again. Discover the power of community and how to build a support system with our guide.” – Finding Strength in Community: How to Build a Support System After a Loss
Allow Yourself Time For Grief
Feeling sad and overwhelmed is a normal response to loss, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. It’s important that you give yourself permission to be fully present with the emotions you’re feeling whether they’re painful or not.
It’s also helpful if you can find someone who will listen compassionately as you talk about your feelings (your partner, a close friend, or a therapist). If this isn’t possible, try writing them down in a journal.
Focus on what’s good in your life the things that bring joy and purpose to your days. These things may seem small at first (like being able to eat an entire meal without worrying about how many calories were in it), but taking stock of them will help remind you that there are still good things happening in your life even though something terrible has happened too. You deserve all the joy there is!
| Grief Stage | Description | How to Cope |
|---|---|---|
| Shock and Denial | Feeling numb or in disbelief | Cry, scream, write or talk about your feelings |
| Anger and Bargaining | Feeling angry and frustrated, trying to negotiate with a higher power | Journal, practice self-care, seek professional help |
| Depression and Loneliness | Feeling sad, alone and overwhelmed | Practice mindfulness, seek support groups, focus on self-love |
| Acceptance and Hope | Beginning to accept reality and find hope for the future | Practice gratitude, focus on positive changes, channel emotions into positive actions |
Find A New Order In Your Life
In order for me to find joy and purpose in my life, I had to let go of the idea that we should all be able to do everything. Just because someone else was able to run a business, raise two kids, bake bread every day and volunteer at their child’s school didn’t mean that I needed to try and do the same.
Instead of letting what other people told me about how much time I needed to spend on certain things influence my decisions, I had come up with my own way of prioritizing what was important in my life.
When you’re living through loss or experiencing grief-related depression, it can feel like there isn’t enough time in the day for everything on your plate (even though there actually is). Don’t beat yourself up if this happens there’s no need!
Try not having any guilt over what you choose not get done today; instead focus on doing things that are meaningful right now rather than tomorrow.
“Grief can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible to find meaning and purpose in life again. Learn how to discover your new normal and find hope after loss with our practical tips and strategies.” – Discovering Your New Normal: Finding Meaning After a Loss
Stay Connected With Others Who Have Been Through It.
When you’re going through a loss, it’s important to stay connected with others who have been through it.
There are many ways to do this:
Find a support group and attend regularly. You may want to join one of the many breast cancer support groups or other types of support groups that focus on grieving the loss of someone close to you.
They can help you talk about your feelings and connect with others who are experiencing similar things in their lives.
Talk to family members who have been through the same thing. If possible, ask them how they got through their own grief and what they wish they had known at the time (and then write those things down so that if someone asks you how they got through their grief later on, you can refer them back here!).
That way, when people come asking for advice on dealing with something similar down the road, there will be an easy answer available right away!
| Connection Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Support Groups | A group of people who share similar experiences and provide emotional support | Local grief support groups, online forums, social media groups |
| Therapists/Counselors | Mental health professionals who can help you cope with loss | Grief counselors, psychologists, therapists |
| Friends and Family | Loved ones who offer a listening ear and a supportive presence | Close friends, family members, spiritual leaders |
Get Outdoors Whenever You Can
Being in nature is so good for your soul and body. It has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, increase happiness and relieve anxiety.
So get outside! Even if all you can do is sit on the front porch for 10 minutes each day with a cup of tea or coffee, it will make a difference in how you feel about your life and the world around you.
“Overcoming grief and finding purpose after loss is a journey that requires self-care, positivity, and perseverance. Let us guide you through the healing process with our tips on how to find hope and purpose again.” – Overcoming Grief and Finding Purpose After a Loss
Don’t Be Afraid Of Cliche Coping Techniques
Don’t be afraid of cliche coping techniques. After my mother’s death, I found myself doing a lot of stereotypical grieving things: crying in public, listening to sad songs, eating junk food and drinking too much wine. The idea of “grieving well” seemed like a good thing but somehow not applicable to me.
I still think that these are all important things to do sometimes (although I don’t recommend listening to sad songs every day).
But what helped me most was also taking a step back from my sadness and trying something new like going on an adventure or learning something new and then finding joy in those experiences again after having lost everything I knew before.
Create Rituals Of Remembrance And Healing
A ritual can be a way to remember the person, celebrate their life, and heal from the loss. If you are grieving the death of someone close to you, a creative outlet such as writing or art may help you find some healing.
Asking yourself questions like “What was it like when we were together?” and “How do I want others to remember my loved one?” can be helpful in this process!
“Self-care is an essential part of healing and coping with grief. Discover the healing power of self-care and how it can help you on your journey of recovery with our guide.” – The Healing Power of Self-Care for Grief
Make A List Of The Things That Have Helped You Heal The Most
Make a list of the things that have helped you heal the most.
Put it in a place where you will see it often, and look at it often.
Write down things that you have found helpful in the past, even if they were temporary or not exactly what is thought to be best for someone who has lost someone they love.
Write down things that you would like to try, as well as items that are on this list but which you don’t want to do right now (but plan on trying later). It is okay to include more than one thing per category if there’s more than one way something can help!
| Healing Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Expression | Using art, music, or writing as a form of therapy | Writing in a journal, creating a scrapbook, playing an instrument |
| Physical Exercise | Engaging in physical activity to boost endorphins and improve mental health | Yoga, running, hiking |
| Self-Care | Engaging in activities that make you feel good and cared for | Getting a massage, taking a relaxing bath, trying a new hobby |
| Helping Others | Channeling your pain into positive actions and helping others | Volunteering, donating to charity, participating in a fundraiser |
Explore New Experiences And Make Memories When You’re Ready.
You may be feeling a bit lost or lonely right now. You’re going to want to find ways to bring some happiness back into your life, so that you can start moving forward again.
There are many ways you can do this including taking new experiences, making memories and spending time with family and friends.
Here are some ideas:
Try new activities – try something like yoga or tai chi classes which will help you feel more peaceful in your body. You can also join a local sports club or take up dance lessons; whatever it is that makes you happy! Just make sure it doesn’t harm anyone else in the process (e.g., driving dangerously fast on the motorway).
Take a trip – this could mean visiting somewhere new for the first time (and seeing how things differ) but also revisiting old haunts but with fresh eyes – what did I miss last time? What will surprise me now?
I love going back home because there’s always something happening; from festivals celebrating every tradition imaginable, ice skating rinks opening up again after winter has passed and cherry blossoms blooming everywhere throughout springtime when Japan becomes one big party zone once more! It’s beautiful.”
“Finding hope after the loss of a loved one can be a challenging process. But it’s possible to move forward and find peace again. Explore our tips for finding hope and healing after loss.” – Finding Hope After the Loss of a Loved One
Give Back, If You Can
The best way to move forward is by giving back. If you can, find a cause or person that needs your help and get involved with them. Giving back is one of the most rewarding things we can do as human beings, and it will help you feel better in ways that are hard to describe.
If you’re not ready or don’t have time right now, think about how you can give back in the future when things are easier for you.
Think about who needs your support and what skills they could use from someone like yourself and then make an effort to provide those things where possible!
Draw On Past Experiences To Help You Cope With Loss
One way to do this is through journaling or keeping a record of your thoughts and feelings during the grieving process. If you are struggling with how to begin, consider trying the following prompts:
- What was it like when I lost my job?
- How did I feel when my uncle died?
- What did I learn from that experience that could be helpful going forward?
Conclusion
I believe that you can find purpose and joy in the face of loss. I also believe that it’s not just about finding a way to live with your grief it’s finding a way to make it meaningful.
In this article, I shared some thoughts on how we can do this. If you have any suggestions or ideas of your own, please share them in the comments!
Takeaways from this blog post:
There are many ways to find joy and meaning in the face of loss.
encourages us to explore new hobbies, or at least expand our existing ones; broaden our interests beyond ourselves; and get out into nature more often!
Further Reading
If you are looking for more information on coping with grief and finding joy and purpose after loss, check out these resources:
Finding Joy During Grief: This article provides tips on how to find joy and happiness in life again after experiencing grief and loss.
How Can I Cope with the Loss of a Loved One?: This guide offers spiritual guidance and practical advice on how to cope with the loss of a loved one.
FAQs
How can I find purpose after a loss?
One way to find purpose after a loss is to focus on the positive memories and impact that the loved one had on your life. You can also seek support from friends and family, explore new hobbies or interests, and consider volunteering or giving back to your community.
How can I cope with the pain of grief?
Coping with grief can be challenging, but some strategies include seeking support from loved ones or a support group, practicing self-care, expressing your emotions through writing or art, and seeking professional help if needed.
Is it normal to experience a range of emotions during grief?
Yes, it is normal to experience a range of emotions during grief, including sadness, anger, guilt, and even relief. Everyone’s grief journey is different, and it’s important to allow yourself to feel and process your emotions in your own way.
How can I support someone who is grieving?
Offering a listening ear, providing practical support such as cooking or running errands, and simply being there for the person are all ways to support someone who is grieving. It’s also important to respect their emotions and give them space if needed.
How long does grief last?
There is no set timeline for grief, and everyone’s journey is different. It’s important to allow yourself to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. With time and support, it is possible to find healing and move forward.
My name is Hellen James. I’m a grief and loss recovery expert who has helped people across the country to move beyond their grief and move forward with their lives.
