Coping with the Death of a Best Friend


Losing a best friend to death can be one of life's most painful experiences. A best friend is often much more than just a friend; they can be a confidante, a sounding board, a shoulder to lean on, and a partner in crime. The death of a best friend can leave a void that's difficult to fill and a wound that takes time to heal. This article provides insights into dealing with such a loss and offers strategies to help cope with the following grief.


Understanding Grief in Friendship Loss

Experiencing grief after the death of a best friend is a natural response to loss. Understanding the grief process is crucial to navigating this challenging time.


Grief Stages in Friendship Loss

As articulated by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the five stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance - can provide a helpful framework to understand the myriad of emotions one may experience following the death of a best friend.


The Uniqueness of Losing a Best Friend

The grief experienced after losing a best friend can be unique and complex. Your best friend might have been an integral part of your daily life, future plans, and identity. Losing this relationship can result in a profound sense of loneliness and identity loss.


Strategies for Coping with the Loss

While grief is a personal experience, several general strategies can provide comfort and support.


Reach Out for Support

Lean on your support system during this difficult time. 

Contact friends, family, or a mental health professional who can provide emotional support and offer a safe space to express your feelings.


Practice Self-Care

Maintaining your physical health can support your emotional well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can help you navigate your grief more effectively.


Honoring Your Friend's Memory

One way to cope with your grief is to find meaningful ways to honor your best friend's memory.


Create a Memorial

A memorial could be a photo album, a dedicated place you visit, or even an event you organize in honor of your friend.


Carry Forward Their Legacy

Whether it's a cause they were passionate about or a trait they embodied, carrying forward their legacy can help keep their memory alive and provide a sense of purpose in your grief.


Final Thoughts

Losing a best friend to death can be a harrowing experience. By understanding your grief, seeking support, taking care of yourself, and finding ways to honor your friend's memory, you can navigate this difficult time with resilience. Remember, it's okay to grieve, and it's okay to seek help in your grief.

Grouport Offers Group Therapy For Grief & Loss

Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy for grief and loss. Members of our private Grief & Loss groups learn constructive ways to process their pain on their journey to healing, including practicing key steps that help them mitigate the weight of their grief. 

Our licensed therapist leads weekly group sessions conducted remotely in the comfort of members' homes. According to participant feedback, 70% experienced significant improvements within 8 weeks.

You don't have to go through it alone. Join our community and work together towards a brighter future. Sign up for one of our courses today and begin your journey towards meaningful, lasting change and renewed hope.

Due to licensing restrictions, our online group therapy sessions are for Florida, New York, and New Jersey residents. If you are not a resident of either state, consider our dialectical behavior therapy skills group. It is a therapist-instructor-led online group that will teach you strategic new skills to replace behaviors and emotions causing friction in your daily life and relationships.

Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.