Coping With Grief After Losing a Loved One

Have you recently lost a spouse, partner, child, parent, sibling, extended family member, friend, or pet? Grief after losing a loved one (also known as “bereavement”) can be one of the hardest experiences that a person can go through. In addition to our deep emotional pain, grief often causes a chasm between us and God. We see this in Jesus' words on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

While you may feel alone in your grief, perhaps even abandoned by God, He has not left you. The Bible is filled with comforting words for those who inevitably face grief and loss in our fallen world.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) Jesus says, "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Psalm 34:18 tells us, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Psalm 56:8 says of God, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."

To help you get through this difficult time, we’ve compiled the following tips for coping with the loss of someone you love:

• Talk to someone. Whether it be a friend, family member, pastor, therapist, or support group, being able to share your feelings with someone can make all the difference in the world. If the person you’re speaking with also knew your loved one, you can reminisce on special memories and talk about the qualities you loved most about them. Plus, sharing how you’re feeling and any challenges that you’ve been facing since their death can help you feel less alone, too.

• Prioritize self-care. When you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself, but neglecting self-care can end up taking even more of a toll on your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. Try to eat a nutritious diet, exercise, shower, and get plenty of sleep each night. Remain connected to your church family.

• Turn hard days into something positive. After losing a loved one, certain days will be especially difficult: their birthday, the anniversary of their passing, etc. Rather than letting grief overcome you on those days, make an effort to honor your loved one and celebrate their life. You could cook their favorite foods, take part in an activity that they loved, or donate to a cause that was close to their heart. Invite trusted friend/s or family member/s to join you.

Are You Coping With the Loss of a Loved One?

Bereavement after the loss of a friend or family member can be incredibly difficult, but you’re not alone. Our counselors at Covenant Counseling Center would love the opportunity to pray with you, offer comfort and hope, and help you navigate through your grief. Contact us today to schedule a therapy appointment.