Navigating the First Year: A Guide to Grief, Healing, and Finding Support After Loss

Honoring your loved ones during the first year

If you’re navigating your first year following a loss, know that it can bring moments you didn’t expect. When a milestone comes up on the calendar, it carries with it a mix of emotions, love, sadness, or a pain that shows up uninvited. Acknowledging those emotions can help with healing.

The American Psychological Association (APA) points out that milestone dates can be an opportunity for remembrance, not just pain. What that looks like is up to you. A few ideas to get you started:

• Cook a meal that reminds you of them.
• Create a playlist of their favorite songs.
• Pull out old photos or home videos.
• Write a letter expressing your feelings.
• Light a candle in their memory.
• Consider making a donation to a cause that meant a lot to them.

These remembrance ideas are meant to be gentle yet intentional moments to let yourself feel what comes up.

Grief is not a linear journey

Many people expect grief to follow a path. However, that expectation is far from the truth. According to the APA, research suggests that most people do not go through grief as progressive steps, and there is no normal time period for someone to grieve.

Grief is a common journey, yet it almost always feels isolating. It can show up as trouble sleeping, unpredictable emotions, difficulty concentrating, and a shorter fuse than usual.

The first year can feel surreal, almost like you’re going through the motions. It’s often in the second year that the reality of the loss truly settles in.

Finding grief support when you need it

There is nothing weak about asking for help when you’re grieving. Loss is heavy, and it affects every part of life. Having someone to listen, offer guidance, and walk alongside you can make a meaningful difference as you navigate the days, months, and milestones ahead.

For families who have experienced the loss of a loved one through hospice care, support doesn't have to end after their loved one passes. Lutheran Hospice continues to care for families through bereavement support for up to 13 months following a death. This support recognizes that grief is an ongoing journey and that families may need encouragement, understanding, and resources long after saying goodbye. Whether through personal outreach, grief resources, or additional support, Lutheran Hospice remains a caring presence for those navigating life after loss.

If you're looking for additional guidance, here are a few trusted resources worth exploring:

• The American Psychological Association offers grief tools and coping resources.
• NAMI provides guidance for those experiencing grief-related anxiety or depression.
• CaringInfo, a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home, offers free grief and loss resources.
• GriefShare provides in-person and online support groups for those navigating loss.

Grief changes you. That's just the truth. The first year can be hard, and some days will feel impossible. But healing does happen. Where it starts and how long it takes is entirely yours to decide. And remember, you don't have to navigate it alone. Lutheran Hospice understands that caring for someone also means caring for the people who love them, even after a loss.