Grieving someone or something is one of the worst things a person can experience, and it can cause you to feel incredibly lonely and hopeless, but it’s important to remember that this will pass. You won’t feel like this forever, and this is a normal part of grieving someone you love. And while this is difficult, there are ways to help ease and cope with these feelings.

Talk to Someone

When grieving someone, it's important to remember that you’re not alone. People want to talk to you and make sure you’re alright. It might feel like you’re bothering or burdening them with your problems, but it’s the opposite. By reaching out and talking to them about how you’re doing and how you feel, you’re letting them know how you’re feeling instead of leaving them to guess and worry about how you’re coping.  

You should always reach out to someone when dealing with grief and loneliness. That could mean talking to your siblings, parents, and friends or contacting a grief support group. Being surrounded by people going through similar struggles can help you find comradery and comfort in knowing you aren’t alone in your feelings.

Acknowledge that You’re Struggling with Grief and Loneliness.

A big struggle for those grieving is feeling like their feelings of grief and loneliness aren’t valid or that they shouldn’t feel as upset as they are. That is entirely false; feeling lonely is a common and regular part of grief, and although it might feel like it’ll never get better, it will. You’re not alone in your feelings or your loss. Sometimes, it can be helpful to simply acknowledge that you’re grieving and that it’s ok not to be ok.

Acknowledging and dealing with the fact that you’re grieving can be difficult, and some people benefit from talking to a therapist, close friend, or a family member to help them come to terms with their situation and feelings. It’s also good to know that therapy is not for everyone, and if the idea of telling a stranger your thoughts and feelings is too uncomfortable, that’s okay. In contrast, for others, finding a therapist or counselor can be freeing and an opportunity to talk to someone without feeling judged or affecting personal relationships. Acknowledging, and perhaps accepting, that you are grieving and not okay, whether to someone else or yourself, may be helpful right now.

Do Something

It’s as simple as that: do something. When you’re struggling to cope with feelings of grief, it can feel daunting to do everyday tasks or even to get out of bed. The most significant advice that will help you manage is to get up and do something: make breakfast, make your bed, read a book, brush your teeth, go for a walk, take a shower, journal; you can do anything, whether it be a big or small thing. Sometimes, it’s good to take a moment and appreciate that you did something; you didn’t lay in bed the entire day. You did something.

Build a Routine

A good way to help you get through the day is to build a routine; having a steady routine can help you cope with the struggles of grieving a loved one. Building a routine is self-care and can be as simple as having a set time to wake up and sleep. It's really about enforcing routines for yourself and sticking to them. Building a routine can also help you avoid unhealthy habits that are used for coping, such as alcoholism, drugs, and other methods of escapism. As much as it may hurt, being present in life is essential, even as you grieve. Ignoring the world through the internet, books, sex, drugs, or alcohol are harmful and have consequences that can last for years. Even though it can be relieving to turn off your brain for a while, the long-term repercussions and downsides far outweigh the short-term benefits.

Balance Your Social Life.

Put simply, it’s ok to want to be alone while grieving. It can be healthy to take some time alone to reflect and mourn your loved one, but spending all of your time alone isn’t healthy. Just like spending no time alone is also unhealthy, moderation is essential for both, so balancing socializing and spending time alone is crucial. Keeping in touch with others can be as simple as sending a quick text message or meeting for a weekly coffee. And while it can seem daunting to participate in life, being around people who love and care about you can help ease feelings of grief and loneliness. 

When dealing with grief, it’s important to realize that what you’re going through isn’t insignificant and that it's okay to reach out to people and take care of yourself. Learning how to cope and handle loneliness and grief can feel daunting and frustrating, but sometimes, making an effort to cope and deal with your feelings can do long-term wonders for your mental health and overall well-being. Never be afraid to reach out and talk to someone about how you're feeling because if you don’t, they’ll have no way of knowing. People want to help you, so even if it might be scary, never hesitate to reach out and talk to someone.