How do you go on living when someone you love has died? How is life ever going to be the same again? How do you find the will to carry on? Is there such a thing as moving on?

Every year, millions face the effects of dealing with loss and grief. This can be the result of death, divorce, moving, retirement, or other life events. Since society hasn’t provided effective ways of handling grief, many grievers feel lost and alone.

Grief is a reaction that happens when someone we love or care about dies or leaves. When this happens, a whole host of emotions might overwhelm you. Some of these emotions include feeling sad, angry, confused, or scared. What’s even more frightening is not knowing how to deal with this sudden wave of emotions that have hit you hard like a tsunami.

The pain of losing someone we love cannot be described in words. It feels like your whole world is falling apart. The crushing pain in your chest signals that your heart feels like it is breaking into a million pieces. It feels like the tears will never stop flowing. Your whole world has been turned upside down, and you might even feel like you will never smile again.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with the loss of a loved one. The grieving process is challenging, and it’s different for everyone. It’s not just a matter of coping with a loss, but coping with change - and that takes time. Grief is not something that we want to avoid feeling, either. Grief is part of our journey and human experience. To fight grief is to fight what’s natural. Instead, let grief guide you to be a more powerful being.

This is why I have written this survivor’s manual. How to Deal With Loss, Grief, and Death is your guide to coping with the loss of a loved one and how to find the will to live again.