Death is an unfortunate part of life. While there is no handbook for coping with grief, there is help available in the form of love, support, and compassion from those who play important roles in your life. After a funeral or memorial service, the general chaos of making plans and arrangements may come to end—but the journey of living a “new normal” is only just beginning.

The most important point to remember is there is no right or wrong way to handle the loss of a loved one. Anger, denial, depression, and sadness are all core emotions that many experience in the aftermath. Grappling with these feelings takes time, and it’s normal to feel helpless or abandoned in those moments of deep despair.

It’s also important to remember time is critical to coping with these emotions. For some, it helps to become immersed in a regular routine of work and family obligations. Others may find comfort in the company of a few close friends and family members. Still others may prefer to seek solitude and remain isolated for a while.

Reaching out for help is a vital part of the grieving process, too. Loved ones can lean on each other for emotional support and share special memories. Friends may step in to offer other types of support, such as meals or child care. It is both comforting and healthy to recognize these outlets as an important part of coping with loss and to turn to them when you need them most.

Hosting a celebration of life in honor of your loved one can be very cathartic as well. It can be held some time after the funeral or memorial service and offers a more relaxed environment in which to commemorate the deceased’s personality, interests, and achievements in a less formal setting. Celebrating a life is an uplifting way to truly honor the person.

While grief never completely goes away, the pain does dull with time and will become more bearable. There comes a point where that “new normal” truly does become a way of life. However, doctors and mental health professionals advise seeking help if you experience uncontrollable grief or continued depression.

Since 1975, Arndt Funeral Home has provided compassionate care to the Rochester, NY, community. Whether you’re planning a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life, the staff at the funeral home can help you make it as meaningful as possible. Visit their website for more information, or call (585) 225-6350.