Is There a “Wrong” Way to Cope with Loss? 4 Warning Signs to Look For
In this video, learn warning signs of unhealthy coping with the loss of a loved one, and what can be done to help someone who is coping poorly.
Losing a loved one is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to deal with. Grieving can be a long and difficult process. Luckily, the majority of people successfully cope with the loss and go on to live healthy and productive lives, but a small fraction of people may continue to struggle.
It can be hard to pinpoint whether someone is coping in the “wrong” way: After all, everyone grieves a little differently, and it’s important to remember that someone’s way of grieving isn’t wrong just because it’s different than yours.
References
American Cancer Society. (2023). Grief and bereavement.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Coping with stress.
Hoeg, BL, et al. (2017). Maladaptive coping in adults who have experienced early parental loss and grief counseling. Journal of Health Psychology.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Grief and loss.
For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
