The Emotional Challenges of Coping with Grief

When a family member has died, it can trigger many different emotions and feelings, and coping with that death is different for each person. Simple tasks can bring on what may seem like insurmountable challenges for your daily living. Sadness and depression may cause you to doubt what you should do or say, sometimes clouding your decisions as a result.

Here are some helpful tips to get through the initial challenges of coping with grief.

Don’t bottle up the emotions in an effort to carry on with daily activities; talk with those close to you so they know how you’re feeling. It will help you work through those emotions, and give them a chance to offer help in a way they’ve been waiting for. Sometimes the best therapy for grief is to just talk.

Rely on the reliable – if there is a routine that gives you comfort, keep your routine instead of trying to decide how much needs to change right away. It’s OK to say goodnight out loud once your loved one has passed; it may bring enough peace to give you a better night’s sleep.

Seek help, counsel or advice when you are ready. Sometimes, just talking with another person who has been through a similar loss can make a huge difference. Talking with a pastor or trusted advisor can also help you cope with larger decisions you may be facing.

Take time to reflect and let the memories heal. This may be a good time to start a journal or diary, or write about life’s memories to a younger generation of your family. While so many cherished moments come flooding into your mind, treat them as a blessing to remember, record them somehow, and share them as you are able to. Other family members will value those memories – either now or in the future.

Coping with grief is different for everyone, but can take on a healthy presence when handled with a positive outlook.