Grief & Coping
Experiencing Loss
Grief is as individual as the life that’s been lost. It can bring sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or even relief—and sometimes all of these at once. This page offers guidance and resources to help you understand what you’re feeling, find support, and move through loss at your own pace. However your grief looks, you are not alone.
Coping
Grief can take many forms—anger, anxiety, depression, relief, emptiness, or even boredom. There is no “right” way to grieve and no set timeline for how long it lasts.
You may find it helpful to:
- Talk openly with someone you trust.
- Keep a daily routine or journal.
- Spend time outdoors or in quiet reflection.
- Reach out for professional help if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding a way to carry the memory forward while continuing to live fully.
Finding Support
You are not alone. Grief often feels isolating, but there are people and communities ready to help.
Support can come from:
- Family and friends who listen without judgment.
- Support groups—in person or online—where others understand your experience.
- Grief counselors or therapists trained in loss and trauma.
- Spiritual leaders or chaplains who can help you explore meaning and faith.
Visit the Groups & Communities section for links to grief support groups, Death Cafés, and discussion communities.
Loss of a Child or Miscarriages
When a young life ends—whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or childhood death—the grief can be especially deep and complex. Parents, siblings, and caregivers may all experience loss differently.
Helpful steps may include:
- Acknowledging the loss, even if few others saw or met the child.
- Naming the child or creating a small ritual of remembrance.
- Seeking support from others who have experienced similar loss.
Organizations such as Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support and The Compassionate Friends offer safe spaces for families to share and heal.
LGBTQIA2S+
Grief in LGBTQIA2S+ communities can carry additional challenges—such as unrecognized relationships, family exclusion, or lack of culturally competent care.
Support networks exist that honor your identity and relationships. Look for organizations such as The Trevor Project for inclusive counseling and peer support.
No matter who you love or how you identify, your grief is valid, and you deserve care that affirms your whole self.
Suicide & Violent Death
When loss comes through suicide or violence, grief can be sudden, complicated, and filled with unanswered questions. Survivors may experience shock, guilt, anger, or disbelief.
In these cases, professional and peer support are vital:
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support.
- Groups such as AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and The Dougy Center offer survivor-specific resources.
Remember: healing is possible, even after the unthinkable. You don’t have to face it alone.