Coping With Loss: A Survival Guide

*Collaborative post

For most of us, losing somebody we love is the hardest challenge we face in life. Grieving can feel like a physical pain, which can take a lifetime to subside. If you’ve suffered a bereavement, hopefully, this guide will provide reassurance and hope. 

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How to cope with loss

If you surveyed a room full of people and asked them what mattered most, the vast majority would list friends and family at the top. Human beings are naturally sociable and affectionate creatures, and we tend to gravitate towards others to find comfort, joy and happiness. Losing somebody close to you can turn your world upside down. Here are some tips to help you cope.

Lean on others

We all enjoy doing fun things like planning family holidays and days out with friends, but your relatives and your closest friends are most important during tough times. If you’re struggling to cope with the sudden loss of a best friend, or a family member has passed away, don’t be afraid to lean on those around you. Accept offers of help, talk to people if you feel like you want to get thoughts, emotions or feelings off your chest, and let others in. It can be incredibly difficult to get to a point where you want to open up or spend time with other people, but you might find talking, or even just sitting in a room with a sibling or a close friend hugely comforting. You should never worry that you’re a burden. Friends and family are there to support each other. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try and find answers

Death is a fate that awaits us all, but that doesn’t mean that you can ever really prepare for the loss of somebody you love with all your heart. Losing a relative can conjure up all kinds of emotions, including anger, sadness and frustration. It can be particularly challenging to cope with your emotions if you lose somebody out of the blue, or your loved one has died in a tragic accident. If you have thoughts whizzing around your head, or you can’t switch off, there’s nothing wrong with asking questions and trying to find answers. If you’re in a situation where you’ve lost somebody as a result of an incident that wasn’t their fault, it’s natural to be angry and upset. Seeking expert advice is a good idea, but it is beneficial to realise that you might not ever get the answers you want. If you’re struggling to manage your emotions, try talking to a therapist or look a lawyer up today. Sometimes, asking questions can provide clarity and help you understand and process what happened. It might also play a role in getting justice for the person you’ve lost. 

Don’t obsess about time-frames

There is no manual for bereavement, and it can take months, even years, to feel even remotely ‘normal.’ Some days might be much easier than others, so take every day as it comes, and don’t put pressure on yourself to get back to work, to see friends or to start dating. Give yourself time to heal. You might find that you want to be busy, or you may prefer to take some time out. We all react differently to grief and trauma, and there is no right or wrong answer. 

There are few things in life more difficult and distressing than losing a loved one. If you’re struggling, hopefully, these tips will prove helpful.