How to Cope With the Loss of a Grandparent
Coping with loss will never be easy, especially when it's somebody near and dear to your family. Unfortunately, most of us will experience the loss of a grandparent in our lifetime.
Read on for a few ways to help you get through this difficult experience.
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Talk to Your Loved Ones
If you're feeling down due to the loss of a grandparent, chances are your other family members are feeling the pain, too. Don't be afraid to air your feelings out. Talk to your family, ask them questions and discuss how they're coping with the loss themselves. Feeling like you are in a similar situation as somebody near and dear to you will help you get through things.
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Journal About Your Feelings
The next best thing to actually talking about your loss is writing it down. If for whatever reason friends or family members aren't available to chat, put it on paper. Start a journal and refer to old entries to track your healing. Losing somebody you love is a process, and you need to give yourself a pat on the back every step you get through it.
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Plan an Act of Kindness in Their Honor
One way of honoring a loved one you have lost is to show others kindness in their honor. Your act of kindness can be as simple as buying coffee for the person in line behind you or sitting for a neighbor's dog. Plan a loving act and honor your lost grandparent's memory with it.
Be Kind to Yourself
It's easy to be hard on ourselves for feeling too emotional or for not being able to hold our feelings in when out in public. Above all, don't forget to be kind to yourself. Bursts of emotion are normal, especially when feelings are raw and fresh. If you ever find yourself in a negative self-talk loop, take a step back and treat yourself with the same kindness you would give a best friend.
Share Stories with Your Parents
The healing process doesn't have to be all negative. Sharing fun, positive stories about your grandparent is a positive way of dealing with loss. Open up to your parents and ask them to share their favorite memories. They will appreciate you taking an interest and the storytelling process will bring healing to you both.
Looking for more advice? Click HERE to find out what to do when something feels off in your relationship!