My Friend Died. What Now? 5 Ways to Cope

It is important to understand that there is no “right” way to grieve. Everyone copes with loss in their own way and there is no timeline for healing. However, there are some things that you can do to help yourself through this difficult time.

February 25, 2023

February 25, 2023

My Friend Died. What Now? 5 Ways to Cope - Man on beach sand with dog

No one is ever really prepared to deal with the death of a friend. It is a shock that can leave you feeling lost, confused, and alone. You may find yourself wondering what you are supposed to do now.

Here are 5 ways to cope when your friend dies:
1. Acknowledge your feelings
2. Reach out to others
3. Find a support group
4. Take care of yourself
5. Remember the good times

Acknowledge your feelings

It is natural to feel overwhelmed by emotions after a friend has died. You may experience an array of feelings—sadness, guilt, emptiness, anger, regret, or even relief. It is important to give yourself time to feel these emotions and to allow yourself to process them in whatever way you need to. You may feel the need to cry or to talk about your friend. You may also find it helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal.

Reach out to others

When someone close to us dies, it can be hard to find some closure. Reaching out to others who were close to your friend can help. Seek out people who were also close to your friend and talk to them about how they are feeling and what they are doing to cope. Sharing your stories and experiences can help you feel connected and can provide emotional support and comfort.

Find a support group

A support group can be incredibly helpful in processing and coping with grief. Finding a support group that focuses specifically on grieving the death of a friend can provide you with an opportunity to connect to other people who have experienced something similar. In a support group, you will have an opportunity to bring up issues or feelings that may otherwise remain locked away or unspoken.

Take care of yourself

When a friend dies, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. You may find yourself spending time alone or neglecting activities that you once enjoyed. It’s important to remember that taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health is essential for coping with grief. Find activities that make you feel good - take a walk, cook a meal, listen to music, write in your journal, or watch a funny movie - and make sure to give yourself time to rest and recuperate.

Remember the good times

It is important to remember the good, happy memories that you and your friend shared. Look through photos, write down memories, listen to old songs, or watch nostalgic movies together. Focusing on the positive aspects can provide comfort and can give you strength to continue on. Wrapping up: Dealing with the death of a friend is a difficult process. It is important to give yourself time and space to grieve in whatever way you need to. Pay homage to your friend by acknowledging your feelings and talking to others who were close to them. Find a support group or take time for self-care activities. Most importantly, don’t forget to remember the good times.

Welcome to Chptr
Remember, celebrate, and honor a life.
Download the app.

Free from app stores

You may be interested in...

View all blogs