Grief is often thought of in terms of death, but it can also extend to other losses, including the loss of a house or personal property. Here are some tips for how to cope with grief after losing your home or an item that held special significance to you:

• Take your time. After losing your home, you may feel like you need to rush to find a replacement. But so long as you and your family have somewhere safe and comfortable to stay in the meantime, take your time before committing to a new residence. Consider what you loved about your old home—whether it be the neighborhood, the architectural style, or something else entirely—and focus on finding a new house that will check off those boxes. This will also provide you with the time you need to consider your finances so that you don’t rush into a decision that will cause you stress later on.
• Hold onto your memories. If you and your family spent years building memories in the home that you lost, you may be grieving the loss of those special times. You might also feel similar emotions if the item you lost was a family heirloom or a souvenir from a memorable trip. But it’s important to remember that those memories live in your heart, not in the physical house or object.
• Try to make the best of it. It can be incredibly difficult to look on the bright side after a loss like this, but try to see the silver lining whenever possible. Maybe you had been discussing moving to a different area, and losing your home provides you with the opportunity to do so. Or perhaps you had held onto your mother’s bakeware for sentimental reasons, but after losing it, you now have the chance to own a more modern set that will better serve your needs.

Get Help Healing From Your Loss

Have you lost your home or personal property items that were meaningful to you? We may be able to help you get through this difficult time. Our therapists specialize in grief, and we can provide you with the advice and tools you need to cope with your loss. Contact us today to schedule a therapy appointment.

If you’ve recently lost someone or something, you may be going through the grieving process. Below, we explain what grief is and how long the grieving process can be expected to take. We also offer some tips on how to cope with loss.

What Is Grief?

The emotional pain that you feel after a loss is known as “grief.” Someone who’s grieving may feel a combination of shock, disbelief, sadness, anger, fear, and guilt, which can make it difficult to eat, sleep, and engage in other routine activities. It’s common for people to lose or gain weight, become sick, and feel achy.

Many people think of grief only in terms of the death of a loved one, but it can also occur when someone loses their:

• Health (their own health or a loved one’s health)
• Marriage, engagement, or dating relationship
• Friendship
• Job
• Money
• House or personal property
• Dream
• Sense of safety (this often occurs after someone experiences a trauma)

Grief can be divided into numerous categories, including anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and disenfranchised grief.

How Long Does the Grieving Process Take?

There’s no easy answer to this question, as the grieving timeline varies from one person to another. Some individuals heal within weeks or months, while others continue grieving for years. Many people go through the five stages of grief—which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but it’s possible to heal without experiencing all (or any) of these stages.

How to Cope With Loss

Many people who are grieving a loss find it helpful to speak with a therapist. In addition to therapy, you may want to try:

• Talking to your loved ones
• Joining a bereavement support group or another type of support group
• Writing in a journal
• Turning to your faith (if you’re religious or spiritual)
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Exercising
• Participating in your regular hobbies

The Help You Need to Heal From Loss

If you’re having a difficult time coping with loss, you should consider speaking to a therapist who specializes in grief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.