If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one you know it changes your life forever. Every day after seems like learning to live again.
It feels as if you have to learn to live with a huge hole in your heart. Some days it may feel unbearable.
The death of a loved one can be a traumatic experience. Those who suffer bereavement can go through a spectrum of emotions.
These emotions can make you feel like you’re going a little crazy and don’t know what to do, but that’s ok.
Living with grief is a new experience for everyone and each person handles it differently.
Here are a few ways on how to live with the grief when a loved one has passed away, and how to make each day a little easier to bear.
Feel All the Feelings
Although it may seem like the last thing you want to do, try to allow yourself to process all the emotions going through your heart and mind.
It may be overwhelming and seem like you’re feeling so many different things and that it is too much, but just give yourself some time and do the things you need to do to allow yourself to feel and not just numb the pain.
If you need help to express these emotions you can journal, paint, sing, talk to a close friend or family member; whatever it is or however you want to do it, is ok.
It’s Okay to Remember
Although many people have the best intentions, they can sometimes go awry, especially those who try to tell you to “just move on” or “let it go.”
It’s totally okay to remember that person and still be heartbroken they are gone after one month, twelve months, or seven years.
It’s likely your grief will never go away, but you can learn to deal with it in your way and in your time.
Build a Legacy
One great way to channel all your emotions and grief into something that can also preserve the memory of your loved one is to do something on their behalf or in their name.
For example, if your loved one passed away from cancer you could contact somewhere like the Teton Cancer Institute and find out how you could contribute or help.
If your loved one was passionate about animals you could adopt a pet in their honor. However you see fit, a great way to deal with grief is to build a legacy for your loved one that keeps their memory alive through something they loved.
Know it’s Okay to Live
A big part of grieving most people don’t realize is the amount of guilt you can feel, from the guilt of remembering their imperfections to guilt about moving on with your life after their death.
Although it’s totally okay to feel guilty, also know you don’t need to feel bad about living life and not constantly thinking about them all the time.
You can laugh and have fun and enjoy things while still remembering them in your heart always.
When a family member dies, children may have difficulty comprehending the concept of death. However, there are a few things you can do to help them understand what is happening, as well as cope with the loss itself.
