The 7 stages of grief

5 Ways to Cope When a Loved One Dies

1. Join in rituals. Memorial services, funerals, and other traditions help people get through the first few days and honor the person who died.
2. Let your emotions be expressed and released.
3. Talk about it when you can.
4. Preserve memories.
5. Join a support group.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, the following tips may help you cope with the loss:

1. Let yourself feel the pain and all the other emotions, too.
2. Be patient with the process.
3. Acknowledge your feelings, even the ones you don’t like.
4. Get support.
5. Try to maintain your normal lifestyle.
6. Take care of yourself.

• Shock and denial. This is a state of disbelief and numbed feelings.
• Pain and guilt.
• Anger and bargaining.
• Depression.
• The upward turn.
• Reconstruction and working through.
• Acceptance and hope.

DO: Say something

1. I was so sorry to hear that Susan died.
2. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling.
3. We love you and we want you to know we’re thinking of you.
4. I just wanted to say that if you need to talk, I’m here for you.
5. I know how much you loved him.
6. We’re always here for you, if you need anything.

Often, grief is most intense soon after someone has died. But some people don’t feel their grief right away. They may feel numbness, shock, or disbelief. It can take time for the reality to sink in that the person is gone.

The end-of-life period—when body systems shut down and death is imminent—typically lasts from a matter of days to a couple of weeks. Some patients die gently and tranquilly, while others seem to fight the inevitable. Reassuring your loved one it is okay to die can help both of you through this process.