# Dealing With Grief: A Step-by-Step Guide for Emotional Healing After the Unexpected Death of a Loved One | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is Grief? 2. The Difference Between Grief and Grieving 3. Step-by-Step Guide for Emotional Healing 4. Recovering from Grief After the Unexpected Death of a Loved One 5. Contact the Houston Wrongful Death Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Dealing With Grief: A Step-By-Step Guide for Emotional Healing After the Unexpected Death of a Loved One](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dealing-With-Grief-A-Step-By-Step-Guide-for-Emotional-Healing-After-the-Unexpected-Death-of-a-Loved-One-300x200.jpg) When you experience loss, you will go through a process called grieving. At the end of the grieving process, you will still feel a sense of loss. But grieving will allow your mind to accept the loss and find the motivation to move forward with your emotional life. [Unresolved grief](https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/280410/1-s2.0-S0033318283X72045/1-s2.0-S0033318283732275/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEHQaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQDVXLZUwihhijD%2BB5r24AybKWL2D0NI%2FUaMhCuUULQ6hQIgQtKEx8umJv9I5P9lfemEe1H59eCWNWqbytF%2BomTLx%2FYq1QQI3f%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAFGgwwNTkwMDM1NDY4NjUiDIJEv6KAttlnIzmiECqpBE4u3ZHkUmSycpJrix5hqKZAtao314Tg4ZAwuzco43Aw2JJ0fEcDi0H362OHMlG7r3AA8g%2FUkrrroYIzi2%2FbsHM1%2BdNiVwE01562%2BXvDWAHxjv3M0VTW8Q71ba%2F%2BvCYwtN7E4FVLM63exbTFZNCSc8txTNWpk4iInttkoQKb31YN5xeAShjvEUJlW3ZHQ1xfeZhpYzl%2FlpjjcolP0AilBvXj2p7Fkq1pP1Ewnl5yUp9vfvhszkxhG6jKmKoEGvAjSTNNNwBZjS4bfhf3nDXVq3oaD3F95DPRiT%2BGnPBHrWA3Wdsd8NBrGKVrCSXrNXqslnc2B%2Fny40TNQ8WcC45V%2FRJiGkxqsWRWFdW6ekJ591%2By%2B2jhXU3D99u636%2BCpKH12fAWiAxChwbAByG3QqpkSdQ84ogiD42l6Yp2yJ1GNHh6tuEGYXLvq%2FjTIcQiy6BdRvNlQGbmsUVNL7zKI0Bz04BLxaoP%2FH9f9crOCn%2FNjRf2CRc7LXJWobOYybZs2K%2FtnZpD4NcdzLHkX0Z2SubuunWI7Skle9kPgkgrJQuR5FMCDBgY4PhqbUQ7cYpXr%2FycqzxtONgVsPlDvQxDgnN5RGjpQdO1yxXIwcj5u%2FLTgE%2FSb2dq9Pgeh4rFS7%2Fa9JXvZfoGzUo2j5T%2FA3vuBrbFZSJtoPa77VqlDzd1AipPC8D7upFE5Sc2K%2FjiXSC4VefnsQxVA%2F0YHTCHxvJtjeZ7uJ8ZLcZ%2B9WP5rTAwzcS7ngY6qQHU2TURFQg2xulaC3SMKvhtF8XR6THkGGCd%2FtP1TooAGRL5YpGIiRGKVv%2B1n08i7tnKlny3NYH8RtucIC0TIssEbIlZW1kCaIfCt2via0d%2FWYnXyHBkV7U4zgsjaOldbTLh3hWzoMk3FrHw%2Bh5Ipaxq0l%2BrKsCmPdSOsgCkKd5yYT8A3wganlA%2BxWlGpk6AFZmVrH8QyfG%2FFeYKCDcZYvwQzT4%2Fv8zWUPzp&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20230123T210019Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTYV43I3A5R%2F20230123%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=fec9ee8c6849aa66c51d67636e839044633e4dcbfa0418cb3792067818f007ca&hash=f5457284d3c17342314c554fd59f79f45f124848af51937d3aa02db4e323d48c&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S0033318283732275&tid=spdf-86b2869c-e4e1-434b-8a43-d252e0248978&sid=4fb39c8076a1f44a3489162796a85186328fgxrqa&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&ua=1313565a0a545555510d&rr=78e3754cdd6d812d&cc=us) can pose a danger to you and others. It can fester and grow, leading to problems like drug and alcohol abuse, emotional outbursts, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. If you lost a loved one due to the negligence of someone else, it is important to call a [Houston wrongful death lawyer near you](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/) soon. ## What Is Grief? [Grief is an emotion](https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/support-groups/what-is-grief) like happiness or anger. You experience this emotion in response to a loss.  The sense of loss that triggers grief can come from many sources, including: - Medical problems or a loss of health - Death of a friend, family member, or pet - Loss of a limb - A financial or property loss Grief, like all emotions, has different intensities that can vary by situation and between individuals. The feelings you experience after your home burns down might take months to overcome. But the intense emotions after the unexpected death of a loved one could take years to process. The grief after any death can overwhelm you. But an unexpected death can cause enormous trauma because you have no time to prepare. Examples of deaths that can trigger these emotions include those from: - [Car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) - Criminal assaults - Heart attacks and strokes - Diseases like COVID-19 or advanced cancer - [Workplace accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/workplace-injury-lawyer/) - Drug overdoses Importantly, the sense of grief does not come from any rational sense that the death was preventable. You feel grief whether your loved one died from an unavoidable heart attack or a preventable car crash. Grief can produce physical and mental ailments, including: - Depression - Anxiety - Social isolation - Fatigue - High blood pressure - Stomachache - Headache These symptoms are not psychosomatic. They result from physical changes due to stress hormones like cortisol. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## The Difference Between Grief and Grieving Grief is an emotion. Grieving is a process that you go through as you experience grief. A healthy grieving process helps you accept the loss. You will still experience grief when you remember the loss. But its effects will not overwhelm you. Grieving can take place in a series of stages: ### The Stages of Grief Elizabeth Kubler-Ross created the most famous outline of the grieving process. Her [explanation of grieving](https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief) includes five stages: - Denial - Anger - Bargaining - Depression - Acceptance Not everyone goes through every stage of the process. And some people experience additional stages, like shock, pain, guilt, and rebuilding. ## Step-by-Step Guide for Emotional Healing The goal of going through grieving is to find a new reality where you have accepted your loss. For example, if your close sibling died in a car accident, your grieving process will ideally end with you being able to think of them without being overwhelmed by feelings of sadness. Some steps you can take to navigate grieving include: ### Allow the Grieving Process To Take Place The first step is to accept that grieving will take you on an emotional journey through many feelings and emotions. Suppressing those feelings could result in experiencing mentally damaging unresolved grief. You will feel anger, depression, and other emotions associated with grieving. Accepting those feelings as normal and allowing yourself to experience them will help you get through them. Allowing the process to happen means you should avoid: - Hiding or suppressing your emotions - Trying to “stay strong” - Ignoring or avoiding painful feelings - Moving on too quickly - Never moving on Everyone experiences the grieving process differently. Some grieve for a few days or weeks, while others can take a year or longer. ### Seek Support Grief is not a unique experience. Everyone feels grief at some point in their life. When you experience an unexpected loss, turn to others for support.  For many people, this can mean: - Having someone to talk to - Relieving some of your pressing responsibilities at work or home - Getting feedback from others - Seeking professional assistance Support can come from friends and family members. Sometimes, support is more helpful if it comes from someone who has experienced the same loss. For example, after the death of a loved one, you can seek support from mutual friends or the deceased person’s family. You can also attend a [support group](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/grief-support-groups-in-houston-texas/) or seek professional help. This kind of support is not for everyone. But support groups and therapists can provide valuable insight into the grieving process. You can also socialize with support group members who empathize with your experience. ### Practice Self-Care As you grieve, it might be easy to forget to take care of yourself. Depression can suppress your appetite and cause insomnia or oversleeping. You might be tempted to isolate yourself from others. You may even miss work. While you might find it difficult, remember to take care of yourself. Eat healthily, stick to a sleep schedule, try to socialize, and go to work. ### Find Meaning Finding meaning might seem difficult. But remember that your loved one would not want you to spiral downward. Instead, they would likely want you to find a way forward. Some people find meaning in honoring or memorializing their loved ones. Paint a picture, sculpt a statue, write a poem, or donate your time to your loved one’s favorite charity. Think about what they would want for you. Rededicate yourself to the educational, relationship, or family goals you shared with your loved one. Many people find meaning in getting justice for their loved ones. If their unexpected death resulted from someone else’s negligent or intentional actions, you might pursue justice through a [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/) claim. In Texas, a wrongful death action allows you to get compensation from those who caused your loved one’s death through intentional or negligent actions. Your compensation award can cover your financial losses, such as funeral costs and medical bills you paid on behalf of your loved one. They can also include non-financial losses, such as lost companionship and mentorship from your loved one. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Recovering from Grief After the Unexpected Death of a Loved One The grieving process can cause emotional pain and physically exhaust you. But taking steps to keep yourself on track through the grieving process will help you accept the loss and prepare your mind for the future. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Wrongful Death Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / Linkedin / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![Soft Tissue Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/soft-tissue-injury/) [Soft Tissue Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/soft-tissue-injury/) Soft tissue injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common injuries after car accidents. Insurance [![5 Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/5-Tips-for-Choosing-the-Right-Personal-Injury-Lawyer-300x169.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-personal-injury-lawyer/) [5 Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-personal-injury-lawyer/) If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, finding the right personal injury lawyer is one of the [![Understanding the Burden of Proof in Personal Injury Cases](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-burden-of-proof-in-personal-injury-cases/) [Understanding the Burden of Proof in Personal Injury Cases](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-burden-of-proof-in-personal-injury-cases/) Have you ever seen a dramatic television courtroom scene where one attorney uses the phrase “beyond a [![Breaking Down Attorney-Client Privilege](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/breaking-down-attorney-client-privilege/) [Breaking Down Attorney-Client Privilege](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/breaking-down-attorney-client-privilege/) When you meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case, you may disclose sensitive personal information. --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dealing-with-grief-a-step-by-step-guide-for-emotional-healing-after-the-unexpected-death-of-a-loved-one/