Loss
Coping with Loss
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify activities you can do to help you remember your loved one.
- Use questions to help remember your loved one and find meaning in their loss.
Introduction
Coping with loss can be complicated. The loss of a loved one may seem confusing and senseless. It is important to be patient with yourself during this time. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Remembering Your Loved One
Handling the loss of your loved one is not easy. Different people will use different strategies to cope with this loss. Consider doing these activities before your loved one passes away and continuing them afterwards to help yourself cope.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a helpful way to release your emotions.
Make healthy choices with your diet, exercise, sleep, and social life.
Think about rituals or activities you and your loved one did together. This may include going to a place they loved, riding bikes, or some part of an everyday routine.
Listen to a calming guided meditation or try imagining peaceful moments with your loved one. Sit in the feeling of the special moments you shared together.
Write a letter to your loved one and imagine what you would want to say to them.
Describe your loved one and think about some qualities they were known for. Consider putting these qualities on a plaque to remind you of your loved one.
Reach out to friends or join a support group with caregivers who may be able to relate to your experience. If you are unable to do this, consider reading about other’s caregiving experiences through books or online resources.
Finding Meaning in Loss
While loss is a difficult experience, thinking about how you have grown may be helpful for finding meaning in loss. To get started, try thinking about or writing down answers to these questions:
- What does your loved one mean to you?
- What has your loved one taught you?
- What did your loved one value most in life?
- How would you describe your loved one?
- What are your favorite stories or memories with your loved one?
- Are there some positive things that have come from this experience?
- How have you grown or changed from this experience?
- How can you help others in a similar situation?
Check Your Learning
A. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and cope.
B. It is important to be patient with yourself when coping with loss.
C. The only acceptable way to cope with loss is to cry.
D. The feelings you are experiencing are normal and acceptable.
Answer: C
A. Writing a letter to Don about their day.
B. Continuing gardening and planting flowers that Don enjoyed.
C. Sharing stories about Don to a friend who is willing to listen.
D. All of the above.
Answer: D
A. What did your loved one value most in life?
B. What are your favorite stories or memories with your loved one?
C. Are there some positive things that have come from this experience?
D. All of the above.
Answer: D