Sit near their family and/or other friends. Being near others who loved this person will help you grieve.
You might find it helpful to do something on behalf of your friend who passed, like creating a memorial for them. [1] X Expert Source Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTLicensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020. If you’re more comfortable grieving in private, you might journal, write a letter to your friend, or visit the grave occasionally. [2] X Expert Source Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTLicensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
Accept help when others offer to keep you company, talk to you, or bring you food or snacks. [3] X Research source
When you can’t sleep, eat, or talk, turn to your journal or an empty canvas and release the emotions inside you. [4] X Research source
For example, if your friend died from a disease, you could create a charity walk to benefit a nonprofit that finances research into that disease. If your friend died in an accident, volunteer to speak to others about how to avoid such accidents.
Try to incorporate self-care into each day. Pray, do yoga, meditate, perform a self-massage, read a book, or listen to calming music.
For example, you might take the book you lent them that they never returned, or the t-shirt they wore on the day you met. The best keepsakes will have symbolic value for the friendship.
Find others who were close to your friend, such as a boyfriend/girlfriend, sibling, or other friends. Talk to these people about them when you want to relive the memories. Spending time with the memories of your friend is a healthy part of the grieving process, and it can help you process how you’re feeling. [9] X Expert Source Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTLicensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
It might be hard at first, but you may find that visiting certain places or doing certain activities may help you feel closer to your friend.
Here is an example of a good memorial page: https://www. muchloved. com/g_home. aspx
Think about the things you typically do in a day and write them down in a planner. Allot enough time for different events and activities, like eating lunch or commuting to work or school. Try to keep a stable sleep schedule by waking and lying down at the same times each day.
A death is usually an important time to reflect on your own life and how you wish to live it. Be sure to do some self-reflection and determine if you are living up to your personal values. For instance, maybe you didn’t feel like you spent enough time with family. If so, start making that a priority. Or, perhaps your friend’s life was cut short and you are more inspired to live your own life more fully.
For example, you might say, “I was preparing to apply to college when Jenny died. Can you help me get back on track with my applications?”
A grief counselor can help you come to terms with the death and learn how to better cope with your emotions. Also, if you are depressed, they may refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe antidepressant medications. [15] X Research source
