Losing someone is one of the hardest experiences anyone ever has to go through. But there are practical and healthy things you can do which may help you make sense of what you’re going through and, in time, ease your sadness.
• Let your feelings out on paper - write to the person who has died, telling them everything you ever wanted to say to them but maybe didn't get the chance to. Afterwards you can share the letter with someone you're close to, put it in a safe place to look at again sometime – or tear it to shreds! Do whatever you feel most comfortable with.
• Listen to music - lots of studies have shown that music can reduce stress and make us feel less depressed. You could make a playlist of songs that remind you of the person you lost, or maybe just turn your favourite track up loud and leap around your room.
• Make a memory box - get together anything that reminds you of the person who has died - letters, cards, photos, messages, things they have given you - and put them safely together in a special box (this doesn’t have to be anything fancy, it could be a shoe box you decorate yourself). Go through the contents whenever you feel the need to.
• Get moving - exercise doesn’t just improve your physical health but your mental health too. Running, playing sport – even taking the dog for a walk – can all help you feel a little better.
• Express yourself through art - painting, drawing and modelling with clay or Play Doh can help to relax you. You may want to paint a picture of the person who has died, or make a model of them with clay. Just express yourself however you want.
Helpful links
More healing activities for grieving children and teens - Highland High School
Ten ways to remember someone at Christmas - #Help2MakeSense