How do I deal with a friend or family member passing away?

There are a range of emotions and stages that people may experience when processing grief like anger, confusion, sadness, loneliness, and denial. It’s really important to remember that everyone processes and manifests grief differently, and that’s okay. The grieving period is a time for doing whatever you need to do to adapt and accept the loss so you can eventually get to a place of acceptance. 

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Find a point of connection

You can find ways to feel connected to someone who has passed away. Thinking about what someone might have said, holding on to something that belonged to them, or looking at photographs might help you connect to joyful memories.

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Talk about it 

Try talking to a friend or going to a support group. Even though it may seem unlikely, sharing the experience with others who are also going through something similar can be really helpful.

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Find expressive outlets

Whether it’s a creative hobby, a workout or talking to your best friend, try to do things that give you comfort and allow you to express yourself.

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If you feel like your grief or sadness is lasting too long or if it’s interfering with you being able to live your daily life then chat with us at Caraway to see how we can help. 

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Reviewed by Sara Levine, MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Director of Adolescent Medicine and Marissa Branson, LCSW, Mental Health Therapist

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