5 Ways To Cope With Grief

We all have different responses to the death of someone in our life. Depending on the nature of the relationship we had with the person, whether it's a parent, spouse, sibling, friend, enemy, or coworker, dealing with the death of someone can be very difficult. Responses to grief and loss can include avoidance, obsession, guilt, relief, or depression. Sometimes, grieving may be delayed because of stress or a complicated relationship with the deceased. While death is a part of life, it can be hard to adjust when it hits our world in a big way.

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Here are five ways to embrace the process of grief to help you navigate living with your loss. 

1. Embrace memories. When a memory arises, make space to honor what the memory entailed. Is it a sad, happy, or complicated memory of the person you lost? Observe (without judgment) the way the memory makes you feel. Take time to share with a friend, or write down in a journal or notes app.
   
   
2. Schedule ways to remember. Do something on their birthday that reminds you of them, or pick them out a card and write a message. On their death date, visit their gravesite, or call a loved one you trust and share memories of them.
   
   
3. Love others. Take time to make sure the people you love know how you feel about them, and know how you would feel if you lost them. Celebrate the love you have for the one you lost by letting it empower you to love those you have with you today.
   
   
4. Create. The most beautiful art comes from expressions of loss and pain. Art is a place where we can express our feelings when we can’t find the right words. Painting, pottery, poetry, songwriting, drawing, and many other options can be a helpful way to process feelings of grief. These creations can be something you never show anyone or you one day publish to the world. (Many local organizations, such as Dallas Art Therapy, offer free groups!)
   
   
5. Go to therapy. Sharing memories with your family or friends can be helpful, but there is also a huge benefit in sharing with a therapist. A grief therapist can hold space for you to share the pain of your loss, celebrate their life, and help you to adjust to life living without them, honoring their memory.

Give yourself grace, as there is no time frame where grief ends. This person will always be an important part of your life. This list contains some things that helped me navigate the loss of my father, and it is by no means exhaustive. There are many other ways to embrace grief that fit your unique personality and loss. 

If you’re interested in exploring #5, you can seek a bereavement support group in your local community, or find a Lifeologie Counseling therapist near you who specializes in helping people work through the loss of a loved one. I specialize in working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and grief at Lifeologie Counseling Oak Cliff. If you’re in Texas, call (972) 590-8030 or reach out to request a consultation with me and we can discuss your unique needs and goals for moving forward. Therapy helps!