How do you cope with grief after losing someone you love? Grief can bring sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, exhaustion, loneliness, and even moments of relief—and there isn't one right way to experience it.

In this episode of The Self Help Briefing, Mike and Jen explore how to cope with grief and loss, including ways to work through difficult emotions, care for yourself, stay connected with others, and remember someone you've lost without feeling like you have to simply “move on.”

They also talk about why grief doesn't follow a predictable timeline, how memories can unexpectedly bring emotions rushing back, and why support can sometimes look different depending on your family, culture, community, and relationships.

• Why grief can feel unpredictable
• Coping with sadness, anger, guilt, and other emotions
• Why grief doesn't follow a simple timeline
• Remembering and honoring someone you've lost
• Taking care of yourself while grieving
• Exercise, connection, and social support
• How community can influence the grieving experience
• Why some gay men may experience different support systems around grief
• Learning to live with loss without leaving someone behind

The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss — Mary-Frances O'Connor, PhD

Psychologist and neuroscientist Mary-Frances O'Connor explores what happens in the brain when we lose someone we're deeply attached to and why adapting to that person's absence can take time.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qPNWCy

Overcoming Grief: How to Cope With Loss

Learn more about grief, coping with loss, self-care, support, and ways of navigating the grieving process.

The Recovery Village: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/grief/overcoming-grief/

Grief can sometimes be complicated by relationships, family dynamics, social support, and experiences unique to LGBTQ+ communities. This resource explores grief and loss specifically for gay men.

Chicago Therapists: Gay men and grief by Chicago therapists

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