Grief: How To Cope With Loss And Grief And How To Support Someone Who Is Grieving

Grief and loss are probably the worst experiences we have to deal with in life and can be incredibly hard to deal with. Every case of grief is entirely personal. The emotional devastation of grief is a heavy burden and the first time we cope with extreme grief can be an utterly unmanageable experience. It's something that pretty much everyone goes through at one time or another so here are some links to help you through such difficult times.

• Some people experience a sense of loss and feelings of grief when coming out of a relationship or when going through a divorce. It's not as extreme a grief as losing someone who has passed away but it's still a hugely upsetting period. If you're experiencing the heart break that follows a romantic separation, then there is more information for you here. It's important to give yourself time to heal and to release your emotions. Here's a video by Sex+ educator Laci Green on how she copes with break ups.
• Here is some information on the Five Stages Of Grief that we experience when coping with loss. 
• Remember that not all grief occurs when a person leaves your life. Many of us experience feelings of grief when we lose a pet. It's often intensified by the feeling that we were in charge or them. Sometimes we blame ourselves or begin to question what more we could have done for them. Check out this article for further information on coping with the loss of a pet.
• Here is information on coping with grief and loss. Grieving is a natural response to loss. It reaffirms how much you really cared for the person. Don't forget that grieving is healthy. Don't deny yourself the experience of openly grieving as it's important to really experience and handle these strong emotions. The pain won't go away if you just ignore it. In fact pushing those emotions away means they might resurface in a stronger, unhealthier manner later on. You don't have to simply be strong in the face of this loss. Showing your true feelings and sharing them with others helps you all to handle what's going on. You're allowed to cry. Grief can be a long or short experience, it's different for everyone, but once you start to accept the reality of the situation and really open up to your grief you can begin to feel better. 
• If you know someone who is grieving and wish to help them here is information for you. This is a time when they will need the support and love of those around them.

Grief is a horrible and often intensely personal experience. Many people experiencing grief often feel alone with their troubles. Though you'll miss someone, probably forever, the pain of grief will slowly leave you. If you've recently lost someone and are mourning them then I give you my deepest sympathies and want you to know that I'm sending you love.