1. Talk It out

We all need to vent sometimes and coping with the death of a loved one is a good reason to need to express yourself. Talk about your feelings with family and friends. They are there for you even if they aren’t feeling the same emotions. Take comfort from these people as you start to heal.

2. Grieve

The grieving process involves many steps and we all experience them differently. Don’t try to mask your emotions. The only way to move past is to allow yourself to grieve. It’s okay if you have days when you can’t stop crying or moments of anger. These are all healthy and helpful emotions in the grieving process.

3. Patience

Some people are able to cope with death and get past it quicker than others. Don’t feel frustrated if it takes you longer than others. There is no right way to grieve. Be patient and give yourself the time needed.

4. Connect

There are many support groups online and in real life for grieving people. You can connect with others who are coping with the death of a loved one too. Sometimes hearing others' experiences helps and reassures us. You can find information about these types of support groups from the hospital, hospice, churches, and funeral homes in your area.

5. Take Care

Even though you may be overcome with emotions it is still important to take care of yourself. Remember to get plenty of sleep and try to make decent food choices. You may also want to use your emotions to fuel a good workout. Sometimes taking our pain and hurt to the gym does wonders.

6. Celebrate

When you are feeling sad celebrating is not something you want to do, but taking a moment to celebrate the life of the person who has passed is good. Think about all the things they accomplished in their life time, the people they touched, and the many ways they have blessed you and others. Ask other loved ones to join you in this celebration. Sharing positive stories and memories will feel refreshing.

7. Seek Help

It’s okay to seek the help of a professional grievance counselor or therapist to help you cope with your loss. Many people do this and feel better having the guidance of a professional. If this is something you feel might be a benefit to you, set up an appointment.

Losing someone close is difficult. Fortunately there are many ways to help us get through the grievance. If you recently lost a loved one, I would like to offer my sincerest regrets during this difficult time. While I know that these words may seem very little considering all that you have lost, I hope that you are able to find some comfort. I would love to hear others' tips on coping with the loss of a loved one. What things have helped you as you heal from the loss of someone close?