Grief and Depression: Coping Strategies After the Death of a Loved One

Suffering the loss of a beloved friend or family member is one of the toughest challenges we must face throughout our lifetime. When we lose a partner, sibling or parent, we experience an array of extremely intense emotions. During this period of time it’s important to mourn, but grieving can be difficult without a grasp on effective coping strategies. Left unaddressed, grieving can lead to overwhelming stress or even depression.

To combat the immense sadness, hopelessness and shock that accompanies death, the experts at Fieve Depression Center in NYC have developed a list of coping mechanisms to use as a guideline for survivors.

Maintaining Daily Life

Bereavement is a long journey that’s often accompanied by anxiety and depression, grieving the loss of a loved one is likely to take its toll on you. This is because changes tend to disrupt the delicate balance of life. It’s important not to let grief control you, but to use this period as the opportunity for a positive transformation. We must grieve, but we should do so in a healthy way, try to incorporate these methods into your lifestyle:

• Celebrate Life: Remember the good times spent with your loved one by going through old pictures, donating to a charity in their name and honoring them in any positive way possible.
• Acceptance: It’s okay to experience anger, frustration, sadness and other intense emotions during this shocking period of time. Try not to fight your feelings, but embrace and nurture them.
• Call a Friend: Connect with friends and others who are experiencing the loss. Grieving with loved ones can help you feel better. Try not to isolate yourself.
• Be Kind to Yourself: Make sure you eat regularly, exercise and express proper hygiene. Take a hot shower, read a book and take time to relax. You deserve it.
• Grief Counseling: It definitely helps to vent and discuss your feelings with people who care. A grief counselor will offer support, coping techniques and a healing environment.

Grief Counseling in NYC

Most people don’t like change, but sometimes the coping skills in your arsenal just aren’t adequate for the challenges life throws at you. Grief, loss, life transition, depression and anxiety are serious situations that require a tender and helpful approach.

At Fieve Depression Center, we understand that any life transition can be stressful- even among the healthiest of individuals. Our specialized team offers compassionate bereavement counseling or grief therapy to help you cope with the loss of a loved one. Sometimes, the helpful support of psychotherapy is just what you need to help you start feeling like yourself again.

Seeking Treatment: Bereavement, Grief Counselor, New York

The professionals at Fieve Depression Center possess the training and empathetic nature required to help individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. Ronald R. Fieve, M.D., PC and associates use a variety of treatments designed to help you cope with your loss. Grief counseling can help you regain your natural balance and improve your life. Contact our NYC office today for your consultation.