Dealing with loss is something we all go through, but finding ways to cope with that loss is something only we can figure out for ourselves. Here are 5 tips to help you through that journey.

Death and grief are, without doubt, natural and unavoidable components of life that everyone expects in due time. An estimated 2.5 million people die in the US annually, leaving behind an average of five grieving people. Tragically losing a loved one is always challenging, and the emotional and psychological effects can linger on months after the events. As such, it is crucial to find helpful ways to manage your grief. If you wish to learn more about coping with a tragic loss, please look at these points.

1. Discover outlets for meaning and expression

Handling grief and embarking on your journey towards healing may be the most challenging experience in your life. However, this time can also be a period of self-reflection, so many grief models include “finding meaning” as a sixth stage in the grief process. Many grieving people use the healing process to explore and experiment with several activities to reconnect with their values. Also, discovering meaning can mean anything depending on what feels most true to your unique experience and needs. 

As such, you can find meaning from the loss itself or discovering outlets to express yourself and discover a sense of purpose as you navigate your future without your loved one. For example, volunteering is an excellent pastime to pick up during the grieving process because it temporarily takes your mind off your sorrows and may be the most meaningful way to honor your loved one’s memory. Music is also a healthy and soothing way to express your emotions following a tragic loss. Therefore, you can write a song for your lost loved one, learn to play an instrument, or simply create a meaningful playlist for the person you lost.

2. Reach out for support

Anger, depression, and shame are common emotions that many people experience during the grieving process. These emotions can make you vulnerable and ashamed, especially when others are around. As such, it isn’t uncommon to avoid others and retreat within yourself during such a period. In addition, you may feel the strong urge to isolate yourself from people who won’t understand your loss. Needing time alone to collect and process your thoughts is valid. Still, it is also crucial to surround yourself with others who can support you emotionally and physically during this time.

Consequently, reach out to family members, friends, and other people who give you a sense of security, so you can interact with them and benefit from their comforting touch and words. If your loved one’s passing was caused by someone’s negligence, reaching out to a great wrongful death lawyer is also a great way to obtain support. This way, you can get justice for your loved one and receive the necessary compensation to cover damages.

3. Take care of your needs

Your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional needs remain despite the tragic loss. Nevertheless, it isn’t uncommon for grief to take a tremendous toll on your mind and body, causing fatigue, appetite changes, and sleeplessness. Therefore, it is crucial to attend to your mind and body as you grieve for holistic needs. Consequently, eat a balanced diet, take frequent showers, and drink enough water to take good care of yourself as you process your loss. In addition, you can explore therapeutic activities like meditation, yoga, and spirituality to better cope with the tragic loss.

4. Join a support group

Support groups are full of people who share and understand your pain due to suffering from similar losses. Therefore, these groups can be great avenues to turn to, especially if you feel there aren’t enough friends and family who understand your pain. Also, support group members share their stories, answer any questions you may have, and offer valuable tips to assist you throughout your time of loss.

5. Seek professional help

Many mental health experts agree that it is best to explore particular aspects of grief and healing with a professional grief counselor or therapist, especially if you are suffering from prolonged grief disorder. Prolonged grief disorder affects about 10% of the entire bereaved population. Pervasive yearning for the deceased, persistent depression and emotional numbness are some of the telltale signs of prolonged grief disorder which can interfere with your daily life. As such, you can see a psychologist who will typically recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you cope. Alternatively, consider seeing a grief counselor if you feel lost, confused, depressed, and are experiencing trauma flashbacks. These counselors can offer guidance on healthy ways to cope with feelings, thoughts, and other hardships troubling you due to your loss.