Coping with the Death of a Parent

Losing a parent is a process and adjustment. If you spent the past few weeks or months caring for your parent, you may feel especially lost and helpless. There will be an adjustment period, but time is the greatest healer of all.

There are a few ways to cope with the grief of losing a parent you loved so much.

Talk to a friend or loved one

Talking to someone who understands what you are going through is one of the best ways to cope with loss. Your friend or loved one has been through a similar experience and may have suggestions of how to deal with the loss or can provide a listening ear.

Journal your feelings

Some people are not as good at expressing their feelings to others. Journaling through grief is a positive way to work through the feelings without having to share them with others.

One-on-one counseling

Some caregivers may find they would rather discuss their feelings of grief with someone they do not know personally. One-on-one counseling is a great way to express feelings of loss in a safe environment with a licensed professional. Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG) employs licensed bereavement counselors in the Counseling and Education Center that can provide one-on-one counseling to you and your family members.

Support groups

Support groups are also run by a licensed counseling professional, but these groups meet weekly and include other people from the community working through a loss similar to yours. While support groups are not for everyone, many people find comfort in knowing they are not alone. Being with other people who have experienced a loss, helps you understand that you have the support of others and will not be going through your journey alone. HPCG’s Counseling and Education Center offers support groups for those individuals who are coping with the death of a parent.

For more information about our Counseling and Education Center, click here.