Coping with Loss: A Guide to Healing

Grief is love seeking a new form of expression. There is no “right” way to grieve—only the way that honors your relationship and your own pace. This guide offers compassionate ideas to help you navigate the days and weeks ahead.

What grief can feel like

You may notice shifting waves of emotions—sadness, anger, guilt, relief, numbness—as well as changes in sleep, appetite, attention, or energy. These fluctuations are common. Be gentle with yourself as you adjust to a different daily rhythm.

Grounding practices for the early days

• Breathe & hydrate: Simple, steady breath and sips of water ease the body’s stress response.
• Routines: Light structure—meals, a short walk—can steady your day.
• Boundaries: It’s okay to say “not today” and to accept help with errands or meals.

Healthy ways to express grief

• Write a letter to your loved one and keep it in a memory box.
• Create a small ritual: light a candle, play their favorite song, or visit a meaningful place.
• Make something: a photo album, a recipe card in their handwriting, a keepsake necklace.
• Community: Share stories. Being witnessed in your grief can be deeply healing.

Supporting children and teens

• Offer age-appropriate honesty (“Grandpa died; that means his body stopped working”).
• Keep routines consistent.
• Invite expression through drawing, music, or a memory jar.
• Answer repeated questions patiently; repetition is part of processing.

When to seek added support

Reach out to a counselor, faith leader, or support group if you feel persistently overwhelmed, isolated, or unable to tend to daily needs. If you or someone you love is in immediate distress or considering self-harm, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away. Professional care is a strong act of love.

Honoring a continuing bond

Many find comfort in tangible remembrances—an engraved stone in the garden, a favorite photograph, or jewelry that carries a small portion of ashes or a fingerprint. These items don’t replace a life; they gently keep the bond present.

We’re here to help. If you’d like guidance choosing a memorial or simply want to talk through options, reach out to our team anytime.