Regardless of your age, the loss of a parent can be a life-altering event. Although the funeral provides the opportunity to say final goodbyes to your loved one, you will still feel a wide range of emotions in the weeks, months, and years after the death. The following advice is meant to help you cope with your grief. 

How to Cope With the Loss of a Parent

1. Plan Ahead

Many people celebrate festive occasions with family, which can make your parent's passing particularly painful during the holiday season and other important gatherings with loved ones. Make a plan on how you want to spend Mother's Day, Father's Day, the anniversary of your parent's death, their birthday, or another special occasion a few weeks before the event. To reduce stress, don't feel obligated to plan a gathering or socialize with others. Take time for yourself to acknowledge the loss and reflect on happy memories with your mom or dad. 

2. Focus on the Surviving Parent

Focusing your energy on doing something positive for your loved one is an effective way to manage grief. Socializing and helping them with chores and other daily tasks, for example, could help lift your spirits. Your parent, as well as siblings, can be a source of emotional support, too. Sharing your feelings can strengthen familial bonds or re-establish a connection. 

3. Don't Suppress Your Emotions

Sadness, anger, and guilt are a few of the emotions associated with grief. When an emotion arises, don't push the feeling to the back of your mind. Allowing yourself to feel emotions now will bring you closer to moving from grief to acceptance. Suppressing your feelings could take a larger emotional toll later.

If you've recently lost a parent or another family member, contact the reliable, courteous funeral directors at the family-owned and -operated Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home Inc. in Canandaigua, NY. The funeral home has been serving families in Rochester, Ontario County, and the surroundings areas for over 60 years. The staff will organize the visitation, memorial, funeral, and burial service according to your loved one's wishes and beliefs. The staff can also assist outside of normal business hours. Read testimonials online, and call (585) 394-4280 to discuss your funeral needs with a representative.