How to Cope with the Unexpected Death of a Loved One

By Melanie Fleury Last updated May 17, 2021 18

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, but it can be even more difficult when it happens unexpectedly. Sadly, there is no way that we can ever know for sure how long another person will be in our life. However, it is important to let your positive memories help you when you are going through a rough time. After all, it is natural to grieve when someone who has touched your life passes away, but you need to take steps to ensure that you do not become overwhelmed by depression.

Tips for Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

1. Surround Yourself with Friends and Family – Many people feel the urge to become more isolated after a loved one dies. However, this will simply exacerbate your feeling of sadness, and it can make it much harder to get your life back on track. Therefore, after you take a few hours or a day to spend some time alone processing your loss, it is vital to surround yourself with a support system.

2. Go to a Grief Counselor – If you are having difficulty expressing your feelings to your friends, you should strongly consider scheduling an appointment with a grief counselor. In many cases, it is easier to discuss everything that is on your mind with someone who does not know you because you will have less fear of being judged. Additionally, a trained professional has the necessary experience to help prevent you from sinking into a long-term depression.

3. Do Something to Honor the Memory of Your Deceased Loved One – Everyone has something that they are passionate about, and you can use this to provide a positive outlet for your grief. For example, if the deceased individual was dedicated to a specific cause such as animal rights, you could host a fundraiser to make a large donation in their name to their favorite no-kill animal shelter.

4. Allow Yourself to do Something Pleasurable – If you love going to the beach, traveling or even just going to the movies, it is a good idea to indulge yourself during a difficult time. After all, no one can spend every second of the day consumed by grief without developing serious emotional issues. Therefore, you should permit yourself to do things that bring you joy.

Dealing with a Wrongful Death

Sadly, many people who die unexpectedly are the victim of a wrongful death. Therefore, if your loved one died as the result of someone else’s negligence, it is a good idea to consider speaking with an attorney. One group of NY wrongful death lawyers urges people to seek an attorney in their state, as laws vary widely from state to state. After all, the family will most likely deal with financial issues as a result of the death, and the responsible party should be held accountable for their actions.

Regardless of whether or not you are dealing with a situation that could end up in a courtroom, it is most important to take care of your emotional well-being. By properly taking care of yourself throughout the process, you will be better equipped to deal with your grief.

Melanie Fleury lost her youngest brother in a wrongful death in 2011. The Perecman Man, NY wrongful death lawyers , knows that no amount of money will bring back a loved one who has been lost in an avoidable accident. However, seeking a lawyer may be able to help pay for medical care and other expenses.