Coping with grief and loss tip.

1: Get support
The single most important factor in healing from loss is having the support of other people. Even if you aren’t comfortable talking about your feelings under normal circumstances, it’s important to express them when you’re grieving. Sharing your loss makes the burden of grief easier to carry. Wherever the support comes from, accept it and do not grieve alone. Connecting to others will help you heal.

2: Finding support after a loss
Turn to friends and family members Now is the time to lean on the people who care about you, even if you take pride in being strong and self-sufficient. Draw loved ones close, rather than avoiding them, and
accept the assistance that’s offered. Often times, people want to help but don’t know how, so tell them what you need whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or help with funeral arrangements.

3: Draw comfort from your faith
If you follow a religious tradition, embrace the comfort its mourning rituals can provide. Spiritual activities
that are meaningful to you – such as praying, meditating, or going to church – can offer solace. If you’re questioning your faith in the wake of the loss, talk to a clergy member or others in your religious community.

4: Join a support group
Grief can feel very lonely, even when you have loved ones around. Sharing your sorrow with others who have experienced similar losses can help. To find a bereavement support group in your area, contact local hospitals, hospices, funeral homes, websites like this and counseling centers.

5: Talk to a therapist or grief counselor
If your grief feels like too much to bear, call a mental health professional with experience in grief counseling. An experienced therapist can help you work through intense emotions and overcome obstacles to your grieving.

Source: Hospice Foundation of America