The loss of a loved one is a challenge most people will face at some point during their lives. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, coping with loss and grief has become even more present in our daily lives. Though it may be difficult to confront, grief is a completely normal and healthy reaction to loss. Though the feeling of grief is universal, the process of grieving can look vastly different from person to person, and there is ultimately no right way to grieve.

            For many, grieving is a long-term process. Grief is often associated with five stages – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – but grieving a loss can be so much more complicated than these five stages. For some, this could mean experiencing the stages “out of order.” For others, it can mean experiencing only a few of the stages at various points in the grieving process. Some common reactions to loss are feelings of shock, confusion, anger, sadness, and even guilt. Some people may experience feelings of emptiness or “numbness”, meaning the loss of emotion altogether. All of these reactions are normal, and allowing yourself to experience and accept whatever emotions come up during a time of loss is beneficial to the healing process.

            Though grief may feel never-ending, it is possible to reach a place of healing where you’re able to come to terms with loss and allow life to continue on. Spending time with loved ones is one of the many ways to cope with feelings of grief, as finding connection and support in those close to you can be beneficial in processing your feelings and thoughts. Talking it through with someone you love and trust, as well as being brave enough to reach out for help, can make the grieving process feel a little bit less lonely. Seeking professional help can also be a great comfort for many people, easing what is often an emotionally-taxing process. It can also be beneficial to do something special to commemorate and celebrate the life of a lost loved one. This can be anything from donating to a charity in the name of a lost one, to planting a tree in their honor. Simply taking the time to remember and honor a life can be extremely therapeutic. More than anything, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself after the loss of a loved one. While loss can make completing even the simplest of tasks difficult, taking time to care for your health can go a long way in making the process just a little bit easier.

            Losing a loved one is never easy, but finding methods of coping and support can make a huge difference. Accepting the feelings that accompany loss, reaching out for help and support, and commemorating the life of a lost loved one are only a few ways to cope with this type of passing. If you know someone who has recently lost a loved one, be sure to check in on them and do what you can to offer support and assistance. We may never stop missing those we’ve lost, but with time and support, the pain of loss can ease, and we can learn to go on with our lives.

 For more resources, visit https://good-grief.org/

This article has been republished from Renewed Awareness Magazine.