Coping with Grief: Finding Comfort and Guidance During Difficult Times

Coping with grief after losing someone close to you can be really tough.

Grief can feel like a punch to the gut—sudden, unexpected, and all-consuming. You might be wondering how you’ll get through the day, or worried you’ll never feel “normal” again. It’s easy to feel alone and overwhelmed, but the truth is, countless others share a similar pain, and there are ways to find comfort and hope.

Here are some of our favorite coping strategies, comforting resources, and grief support options that can help you begin your emotional healing.

You’re Not Alone

First off, you are not alone! You probably read that at a dozen other places already, but we’re here to repeat it just one more time: You are not alone. And it’s absolutely okay to have whatever emotions are going through you right now, or before.

When you lose someone or experience a major life change, it’s natural to feel as though the rug’s been pulled out from under you. One day, life seems normal. The next, everything looks different and uncertain.

Learning how to cope with grief is important, but there are also times when it’s okay and even necessary to be sad.

It’s okay to feel all over the place

Grief can bring out sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or even relief—it varies from person to person. There

There’s no right way to grieve

Maybe you’re keeping busy with tasks, or maybe you’re curled up under the blankets with your favorite TV show—both are normal.

Reaching out for help doesn’t make you weak

Friends, family, online communities, or support groups can help you feel less isolated, even if they don’t fully understand your experience.

Simple Ways to Cope Day by Day

1. Talk It Out—Or Write It Down
Having someone who truly listens can make a world of difference. If talking out loud feels too hard, try writing in a journal or even typing out your thoughts in a note on your phone. Sometimes seeing your emotions in words helps them feel more manageable.

2. Slow Down with Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t have to mean fancy spa days or hour-long meditations (though they can help if that’s your style!). It can be as simple as a hot shower, a comforting meal, or a short walk around the block. The important thing is carving out a little space each day for yourself.

3. Let Yourself Grieve in Your Own Way
Some people find relief by crying, others by distracting themselves with activities or leaning into their faith or spirituality. If you can, try not to judge how you’re grieving. There’s no universal checklist for “getting it right.”

4. Focus on What You Can Control
During grief, it can feel like your life is completely turned upside down. Taking care of small tasks—like tidying up a corner of your home or keeping track of appointments—can help you regain a sense of control and accomplishment.

How to Cope with Grief (According to Experts)

Psychologists and grief counselors agree that healing takes time, but there are steps you can take to support yourself during this process. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends that people allow themselves to fully experience their emotions, whether that means crying, expressing anger, or even laughing at memories of their loved one. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s also important to acknowledge and accept grief rather than suppress it, as avoiding emotions can lead to more prolonged suffering.

Grief experts, including those at Harvard Medical School, emphasize the importance of establishing routines. Something as simple as maintaining a morning ritual—like making a cup of coffee or taking a short walk—can help bring a sense of stability when everything else feels uncertain. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization suggests talking about your loss, whether in a support group, therapy session, or even with a trusted friend, as verbalizing your feelings can prevent you from bottling them up.

There is also growing evidence that mindfulness and meditation can help with grief. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques significantly lower feelings of sadness and anxiety in those grieving a loss.

Comforting Resources to Lean On

Support Groups and Hotlines

• Local gatherings: Many community centers, churches, or hospitals host grief support meetups. Sharing your story in a welcoming space can be surprisingly healing.
• Online groups: If leaving the house feels too daunting, online forums offer connection without the pressure of in-person socializing.
• Hotlines: When overwhelming sadness hits, you can reach out to a grief hotline. It’s a safe and confidential option any time of day.

Digital Tools and Apps

• Guided meditation or mindfulness apps: A quick five-minute session can help you center your thoughts or calm racing emotions.
• Journaling apps: If you prefer typing or talking instead of writing by hand, there are apps that let you record voice notes or type out what’s on your mind.
• End-of-life planning tools like Meolea: Handling the administrative side of a loss—like organizing documents or memorializing important moments—can be so difficult. Meolea makes these tasks simpler, so you have more emotional energy to focus on healing.

Books, Podcasts, and More

• Self-help books: Plenty of authors have written relatable, honest accounts of their own grief journeys. Reading their stories can help you feel seen and understood.
• Podcasts: Sometimes listening to others talk about loss can normalize your feelings and remind you you’re not alone.
• Video chats or texting: Reaching out to friends, family, or professionals through technology can help you feel connected, even if you’re physically isolated.

How Meolea Can Help in Coping with Grief

When you’re in the thick of grief, paperwork and planning can feel downright impossible. That’s where Meolea comes in. We created this end-of-life planning and legacy management app to take some of that burden off your shoulders. You can organize essential documents, share cherished photos, and manage key arrangements in one secure place, all while keeping your loved one’s memory alive in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

• Less Administrative Stress: No more digging through endless files to find the right paperwork.
• Centralized Memories: Preserve photos, voice notes, or videos that capture important moments.
• Guided Steps: From wills to memorial planning, Meolea provides an easy-to-follow roadmap.

We believe that by lightening your to-do list, you’ll have a little more space to breathe, reflect, and heal.

Moving Forward, One Small Step at a Time

Coping with grief doesn’t follow a tidy timeline or adhere to a strict set of rules. You might be feeling raw and heartbroken today, and tomorrow might feel a tiny bit lighter—or it may not. The important thing is to keep giving yourself permission to heal, to remember, and to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Lean on the grief support that’s available, take advantage of comforting resources, and give different coping strategies a try until you find what clicks. Keep reminding yourself that it’s okay to take breaks, to ask for help, and to just feel whatever comes up. Over time—and it could take a while—you can find a path to emotional healing that honors your loss and respects your own journey.

If you need help organizing the practical details or just want a gentle guiding hand, Meolea is here for you.