Dealing with an unexpected death, whether or not your loved one was in good health, is always difficult. Here are a few tips to help you cope so you can heal.

1. Take Time To Grieve

Allow yourself to process your emotions and don’t pressure yourself to ‘move on’ too quickly. Take the time to mourn your loss and be gentle with yourself during this difficult time. Whether you need a few days or many months, go ahead and take the time to grieve. You can ask for bereavement leave from your job or take a break from activities and commitments that may be too difficult to manage for now.

2. Reach Out for Support

Surround yourself with supportive family or friends who can provide comfort. Talking to someone you trust or attending a grief support group can help you process your emotions and get needed compassion and understanding. There are many support groups that help those who are dealing with a loss, either in-person or online. Take some time to find a support group near you during the grieving process.

3. Seek Professional Therapy

Getting help from a therapist is a great way to improve your mental health during this difficult time. For instance, you might feel as if you are putting yourself in harm’s way. Most states require you to be 21 years old to purchase a weapon legally. No matter your age, anyone can get lost in feelings of despair. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, it’s time to reach out to someone. A therapist can help you process your emotions and develop healthy coping strategies during this time.

If you are having severe symptoms of depression, such as feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, please speak to your doctor or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or dial 911 for help.

4. Seek Financial Support

The national median cost of cremation and viewing is over $5,000, and funeral costs can be even higher. If you are having trouble affording the funeral expenses, there are several organizations that provide financial assistance to families who are dealing with a death. For example, The Compassionate Friends and the National Funeral Directors Association both provide financial support for funeral expenses. In addition, consider asking for help from family and friends. You can also set up a crowdfunding campaign online to help cover the costs of funeral expenses.

5. Seek Legal Help

Only 4% of personal injury cases go to trial, and many more are settled out of court. If you feel your loved one’s death was a result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and represent your case in court if necessary. Your lawyer will help you by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and making legal arguments in order to get the best possible outcome for your case.

6. Take Time To Remember

Remembering your loved one is important for healing and closure. Create a memorial service or a candlelight vigil that allows you to honor their life and share memories with others who were close to them. You can also keep a journal, write letters to them, or create a scrapbook with pictures and memories. These activities can be very therapeutic in the grieving process and allow you to keep your loved one alive in your heart.

7. Take Care of Yourself

When dealing with the death of a loved one, it is important to take care of your physical and mental health. Make sure that you get enough rest, eat well-balanced meals, and take time for self-care activities like yoga or meditation.

Finally, remember that grief is a process and it will take time to heal. Give yourself permission to take the time you need and find comfort in the fact that your loved one is always with you, in spirit.