Grief is a wild ride—one you never signed up for, but here you are, trying to navigate it. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, an ended relationship, or a major life change, grief has a way of turning everything upside down. The good news? You don’t have to go through it alone, and there are coping skills for grief that soften the edges of the pain.
What Are Some Coping Skills for Grief?
Grief doesn’t come with a step-by-step manual (as much as we all wish it did). But there are some coping skills for grief that can help you get through each day.
First, give yourself permission to feel everything. There’s no “right” way to grieve—some days, you might cry over a song on the radio, and other days, you might feel completely numb. It’s all valid. Staying connected to the people who care about you can also make a huge difference. Even if you don’t feel like talking, simply being around others—whether it’s family, friends, or a support group—can help.
Taking care of yourself might feel like the last thing on your mind, but small acts of self-care can make a world of difference. Eating a meal (even if it’s just a granola bar), getting outside for a walk, or writing in a journal can help you process your emotions. Some people find comfort in creative outlets like painting, playing music, or even just scribbling down their thoughts. Others need structure, so creating a daily routine—even if it’s as simple as making your bed—can bring a sense of normalcy when everything else feels chaotic.
What Are the 3 C’s of Grief?
If grief had a set of guiding principles, the “3 C’s” would be a good place to start: Choice, Communication, and Compassion.
You may not have chosen this loss, but you can choose how you take care of yourself. That doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine—it means being gentle with yourself as you figure out what you need.
Communication is another big one. Talking about your grief, whether with a friend, family member, or therapist, can help you process what you’re feeling. You don’t have to have the “right” words—just speaking your truth, however messy it may be, can lighten the load.
And then there’s compassion. This one’s especially important. Grief is unpredictable, and healing isn’t a straight line. Some days will feel easier than others. Give yourself grace, and remind yourself that there’s no timeline for this.
How to Cope with Traumatic Grief?
Losing someone suddenly or under difficult circumstances can make grief even heavier. It can feel like the world has shattered, and putting the pieces back together seems impossible.
If you’re dealing with traumatic grief, finding professional support can be life-changing. Therapists who specialize in grief can help you process what happened in a way that feels safe. You might also find grounding techniques helpful—things like deep breathing, meditation, or even holding a familiar object can bring a sense of calm when emotions feel overwhelming.
And most importantly, give yourself time. Trauma takes longer to process, and healing isn’t about “moving on.” It’s about learning how to carry the loss in a way that allows you to keep living.
What Can Help with Grief?
While grief doesn’t have a magic fix, certain things can make it a little more bearable. Finding a community—whether through a support group or just a trusted circle of people—can remind you that you’re not alone. Therapy can also be incredibly helpful, especially if grief feels too heavy to handle on your own.
Sometimes, doing something to honor your loved one can bring a sense of connection. Lighting a candle, visiting their favorite place, or even just saying their name out loud can help keep their memory alive in a way that feels meaningful to you.
At the end of the day, grief isn’t something you “get over.” It’s something you learn to carry. And while it may never completely go away, you’ll find ways to keep moving forward—one step at a time.
Grief is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. What matters most is finding what works for you—whether that’s leaning on others, creating space for your emotions, or simply getting through the next hour. Be patient with yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough. Over time, the pain may not completely disappear, but it will shift, and you’ll learn how to live alongside it with more grace and strength than you thought possible.