How to Cope with a Loss

Life could quickly or gradually take unexpected turns, prompting unfamiliar emotions to overcome us. This is extremely true when you lose someone dear to your heart. Although there is no set plan on how to live with losses, there are various coping mechanisms and understandings to get us through stormy patches. It is never easy and the theory that “time heals everything” may not be true regarding lost loved ones, but there is hope in the ability to continue living a happy life. The following list are things to remember during times of loss, gathered from people who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

1)   Understand that it will hurt

During a loss, it is extremely important to understand pain will exist and losing someone you love will hurt, deeply. Many people attempt to mask it and cover it up by habitual practices or partaking in activities to free the mind from the pain. However, facing it and fully embracing the pain during the loss of a loved one will aid in the ability to understand and control the emotions loss may bring. In turn, you will be able to properly progress in life when the time is right.

2)   Allow yourself time to properly grieve and defeat the emotions

Just as it is important to face the grief and emotions a loss brings, it is also important to allow yourself enough time to confront the situation. The time it takes to fully understand and cope with a loss is different for everyone, but you should allow yourself an ample amount of time to acknowledge the grief in order to defeat it. Alternatively, you should not partake in grieving for a long period of time. This will inhibit your ability to move forward with life and cause you to continuously live in sadness. Therefore, understanding a balance between facing the emotions, properly grieving and moving forward is crucial to overcoming a loss.

3)   Find proper support to talk with during times of loss

During times of loss, finding the right support to share your feelings too will help tremendously in overcoming the sadness. Whether it is a friend, a family member or professional support, sharing your feelings, and expressing your emotions in conversation to someone who is able to relate and care for you during your suffering is important. Ensure the supporter understands your situation and realises the emotions you are feeling to guide he / she in properly helping you through the loss. Having someone there for you during your grieving will provide comfort and a feeling of belonging, whilst helping you express your emotions.

4)   Cherish and appreciate the memories

Recognising the happy memories you shared with the loved one and realising they will always be a part of you is an important aspect of moving forward after a loss. Cherishing these memories will help with providing comfort during your grieving and will also bring happiness. However, do not let these memories consume and turn to feelings of guilt and sorrow.

5)   Do not alter your daily schedule during times of loss

At times of loss, many people change their daily schedules which further alters the state of emotion and stress he or she may feel. Maintaining your normal daily schedule is important to minimise emotional change and life impact that follows a loss. This involves ensuring normal sleeping and eating habits, as well as simple activities such as taking care of your animals or going outside.

Hopefully, remembering this list will aid in the ability of not being consumed by sorrow and allow you to properly move forward in life. By first facing the grief and ensuring an appropriate amount of time is taken to cope with the loss, you will be able to understand that pain will exist but can be overcome.

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