Experiencing loss

Losing someone we care about can create a major mental health challenge, and many Americans say the loss of a loved one is the most difficult event of their lives. There’s no wrong or right way to grieve, but with proper support, self-care and reflection, most find the acceptance and meaning necessary to move forward.

Learn

Learning about the nature of grief and other people’s experiences coping with it can help us heal and feel less alone. Whether you prefer listening to podcasts, reading books or watching videos, here are some options to get you started.

Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us

Brené is a researcher and author known for making complicated emotional health challenges accessible and relatable. In this podcast, she talks with grief expert David Kessler.

Books on Grief and Healing

These powerful books weave their authors’ personal experiences with grieving with lessons learned about healing as well as expert advice on understanding and coping with loss.

Nora McInerny’s TED Talk

Writer and podcaster McInerny uses humor and stories of her personal heartbreak to reframe the concept of “moving on” after losing a loved one.

Reflect

A grief journal creates a safe place to capture feelings, memories or unanswered questions that can help to cope and heal. This article shares over 20 journaling prompts to help you get started.

Start Now

Act

Healing from grief is a personal journey, but we all need coping strategies to help us along the way. What works can differ from person to person, so try out different methods until you find what works for you. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Get Tips from APA

Evidence-based coping tips from the American Psychological Association.

Coping with Loss and Change

This animated video from WellCast explores the stages of grief and offers helpful ways to cope through the process of losing a loved one.

Practice Mindfulness Focused on Healing

Popular YouTuber and yoga instructor Adriene has created a 30-minute free yoga session designed to “hold you and comfort you during times of grief and sadness.”

Connect

Healing from loss is a process that takes time. Talking with friends, family, a support group or mental health professional can help. But if you’re feeling hopeless, reach out to the resources below as soon as possible.

When contacting a resource below, any information you provide will be collected and used by that resource, subject to its end user terms and conditions and privacy policy. Please contact the applicable resource if you would like more information. 
Resource Type Contact
Crisis Text Line

Have a free, confidential chat with a trained counselor. Available 24/7.

 Text Line Text ACTION to 741-741
Lifeline

Call for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. Available 24/7.

 Call Line 988
Warmline Directory

A Warmline is a free peer-run hotline that offers callers emotional support, staffed by volunteers with lived experience.

 Website Find a Warmline
Trans Lifeline

A free peer support phone service run by trans people for the trans community, that operates from 10am to 5am EST.

 Call Line 877-565-8860
The Trevor Project

A safe, judgement free support service for LGBTQ and questioning youth who are struggling or thinking about suicide. Available 24/7.

 Website Visit website
ADAA Therapist Search

A tool to help find local mental health services, including teletherapy options.

 Website Visit website
Inclusive Therapists

Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.

 Website Visit website
Outside the U.S.? Find a Helpline

Free emotional support, wherever you are.

 Website Find a Helpline