How to deal with the death of a loved one

Death is something we all have to face at some point in our lives, but how do you carry on when you feel so overwhelmed with the passing of a loved one? There are certain things you can do to help the healing process.

Allow yourself time to mourn
The truth is, although some people believe time heals, for others, the pain never gets better. Do not beat yourself up if your mourning is taking you longer than expected and don’t allow others to make you feel you have been mourning for too long.

Have support
Don’t cut yourself off from the world and deny even those who are trying to comfort you. A hug from a loved one, or even a comforting word from a friend can go a long way in helping you deal with pain. Support groups are also great. So feel free to join a support group where people with similar experiences share their stories.

Talk about your feelings
Don’t bottle your feelings and emotions inside. Some people feel better after talking. If you feel like crying, go ahead and cry. It’s only natural! If you find that you aren’t comfortable talking to people, write your thoughts in a journal. Just make sure you don’t bottle things inside because that could lead to depression. So do allow yourself to feel emotional and talk to your friends, family members or even a professional about your feelings.

Don’t live in regret
Many times we feel like we could have done more or said more to the ones we have lost, but regret will only hold you back in the healing process. Let bygones be bygones and celebrate the good times that you both shared. Forgive yourself if you feel you may have wronged the deceased. Remember, regret can eat you up inside.

Don’t stop living
Just because your loved one is gone doesn’t mean you must stop living. Ignoring the outside world will do you more harm than good. Allow yourself to have some fun and find activities that will lift your spirits. Always remember that life is a precious gift.