Coping with a loved one’s death is one of the most difficult things you will have to do. Whether it’s a loss of a parent, a spouse, or a friend, everyone grieves differently. Depending on how close you were with the deceased or the relationship you have with them, grieving may last several weeks after the funeral service, or it may take many months later.

Healthy grieving is an active process, as time may not necessarily heal all wounds without putting in the work. This includes acknowledging the feelings you experience from the loss, accepting the finality of the loss, and adjusting the life you have now without their presence. If you’re struggling with grief, fret not as we share some tips so you can help yourself through grief, find a way to pick up the pieces and move on with your life.

1. Talk about it

Lean on people who care about you. Talk about the deceased, what you miss about them, what memories you shared with them, and anything else that comes to mind. Verbally expressing your emotions is a good way to release repressed emotions, so you won’t end up bottling your feelings. When you put the lid on your feelings, it can build up and lead to explosive outbursts.

Being listened to can also help you to feel less alone. Get help and support from loved ones and professionals to express your emotions and process them.

2. Cry when you have to

You may experience a variety of emotions, from deep sadness, anger, or even emotionally-driven fatigue. Whenever you wish to cry, know that it is acceptable to do so and you shouldn’t hold yourself back. As emotions can get overwhelming, crying does help to bring relief. According to research, your body releases endorphins when you cry, which relieves emotional distress to self-soothe and regulate intense emotions.

3. Care for other aspects of your wellness

It may be hard to resume your day-to-day routine, so be compassionate with yourself in the reduction of your usual efficiency. However, it remains important for you to maintain healthy eating and sleeping patterns. A healthy mind needs a body that is in good shape.

Without a steady source of fuel from the foods you eat, mood swings can happen. Sleep deprivation is also reported to lead to an increase in negative moods such as sadness, irritability, and frustration. Your mental wellness depends a lot on your physical well-being.

4. Celebrate the life of the deceased

Transform the negative feelings of sadness and loss into positive ones. After the funeral, you can plan a celebration of life event to remember all of the good things about the deceased and celebrate their life. Some activities include sharing photos and mementos, making a playlist of the deceased’s favourite music and crafting a memory box with everyone’s contribution (be it a picture or item).

You can also host a celebration bike ride, walk or run in honour of the deceased, or request for people to volunteer or donate money to the deceased’s preferred charity. There is comfort in coming together with others to remember someone as these events hold special meaning.

Conclusion

Coping with the loss of someone is one of life’s biggest challenges. Regardless of the grief you are experiencing, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Over time, you can ease your sadness, come to terms with your loss and move forward with your life. Be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.

Engaging the right funeral company can bring you much-needed peace of mind when dealing with a loss. Let our experienced team provide you with personalised funeral services in Singapore so you can ensure a dignified tribute for your departed loved one.