How to Cope With Grief and Bereavement

Whether the death of a loved one occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, or after a long period of illness, it is always hard to deal with the inevitable. Some people hide their feelings of loss and pretend that everything is fine, whereas others sink into a depression that makes it hard for them to get out of bed. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to find the middle ground between the two extremes and deal with your grief in a healthy way.

Instructions

• 1

  Give yourself time to mentally accept your loss. It may take awhile to believe or remember that the person is gone. You may find yourself picking up the phone to call him, beginning an email to him or hopping in your car to stop by his house when you realize your mistake. Realize that it takes time for your mind to become accustomed to how things are now.

• 2

  Lean on your faith. Call your priest, schedule an appointment with your rabbi, spend lots of time at church and read the holy books that give you comfort. Religion often provides a shelter during times of trouble and offers explanations for losses, such as death, in a way that can console you and make you feel better.

• 3

  Take joy in the friends and loved ones who remain. While the loss of your father may be crushing, there is no reason you cannot find comfort in time spent with your grandchildren, siblings or cousins. Often, the best way to accept a loss is to focus on the loved ones who remain.

• 4

  Accept feelings of anger and helplessness. It is often hard to accept the fact that we are powerless to stop death, and it is natural occasionally to feel angry at life, God and other people when you have lost someone important. Realize that your anger will diminish with time.

• 5

  Create a special tribute or memorial to your lost loved one. Whether you do something as simple as planting a tree in the back yard, having a memorial Mass said for the departed or taking flowers to the graveyard, creating a special memory of your loved one may often make you feel closer to him and ease your pain.