How to Begin to Recover from the Death of a Dear Friend

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Don't be surprised at the grief that you will feel.

   It is normal to suffer intensely when a friend you love is taken away by a car crash, cancer or an ugly disease.
2. 2

   Step 2: Give yourself plenty of time to grieve

   , Do not keep anything bottled up.
   
   All that pain needs to get out.
   
   If you don't let it out now, it will come back to bite you in the bum, months or years later.
   
   That can really cause damage! , Writing is very therapeutic.
   
   Spill your pain in a diary, write a blog, write your deceased friend a letter that you will keep writing until all your feelings are poured out. ,,,, The first couple of weeks are the worse, you will be immersed in your pain and anger.
   
   In order to keep functioning on a daily basis you can make up lists of basic things to do each day: shower, breakfast, brushing teeth, going to work, eating. , It will not bring your friend back from the dead if you start using drugs, get in bar fights or get drunk every night. ,, Jogging under the rain with loud music blasting in your ears tends to make you feel alive again. ,,,, Don't underestimate the love and loyalty of our 4 legged friends. , Someday you will begin to hurt a little less and that is OK too.
   
   You might even have a dream of your friend smiling and telling you all is well.
   
   This is actually a gift they are giving you, be grateful for their love. ,,
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   Step 3: to mourn

4. 4

   Step 4: to be angry.

5. 5

   Step 5: Cry and howl as much as you can.

6. 6

   Step 6: Write.

7. 7

   Step 7: Focus on the happy times that the two of you have shared.

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   Step 8: If you have had a chance to say goodbye

9. 9

   Step 9: be happy for that.

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    Step 10: If not

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    Step 11: remember funny

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    Step 12: lovely things about your friend

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    Step 13: like what a wonderful mother she was to her kids or how much he loved stuffing his face and all the laughter you have had together.

14. 14

    Step 14: Realize that it won't be over in a couple of days.

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    Step 15: Be careful not to get into self-destructive behaviour.

16. 16

    Step 16: Stay away from evil people who might abuse your sorrow to force certain stuff on you.

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    Step 17: If you feel numb and zombie-like take up sports.

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    Step 18: Keep busy

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    Step 19: reorganize your closets

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    Step 20: do your tax forms

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    Step 21: anything to fill these ugly first months of mourning.

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    Step 22: Give yourself plenty of time to mourn.

23. 23

    Step 23: Praying does help

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    Step 24: even if you are not religious.

25. 25

    Step 25: Seek comfort from your best friends and cats or dogs if you have one.

26. 26

    Step 26: Know that it will get better.

27. 27

    Step 27: Feel blessed that you had such wonderful friends in your life to start with.

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    Step 28: Honour their life by living a good life yourself.

Detailed Guide

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