Coping With Grief
What Does "Coping" Mean?
Coping does not mean "getting over" your loss or forgetting what happened.
It means finding ways to navigate difficult emotions and adapt to changes while continuing to live your life.
Different strategies work for different people, and what helps can change over time.
Strategies That May Help
1. Maintain Your Routines
When everything feels different, familiar routines can provide some stability.
You might try to:
• Keep regular sleep and meal routines when possible
• Continue hobbies or activities you enjoy
• Go to school and maintain your usual responsibilities when you can
• Give yourself flexibility when you are having a difficult day
You don't have to do everything perfectly. Small routines can still help.
2. Stay Connected
You don't have to talk about your grief every time you spend time with someone.
You might:
• Spend time with friends or family
• Eat lunch with someone
• Participate in an activity or club
• Watch a movie together
• Go for a walk
• Talk about something completely unrelated to your loss
Sometimes normal moments are helpful, too.
3. Express Yourself
There isn't one correct way to express your emotions.
You could try:
• Journaling
• Drawing or painting
• Playing or listening to music
• Writing
• Exercising
• Spending time outdoors
• Talking with someone you trust
You don't have to share what you create with anyone.
4. Remember and Honor Someone
If you are grieving someone who died, remembering them can be meaningful.
You might:
• Look through photographs
• Listen to music that reminds you of them
• Visit a meaningful place
• Cook a favorite meal
• Create something in their memory
• Plant something
• Participate in a meaningful activity
Remembering someone doesn't mean you are unable to move forward.