This article was co-authored by Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Ken Breniman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken has over 15 years experience of providing clinical support and community workshops utilizing a dynamic combination of traditional psychotherapy and yoga therapy. He specializes in eclectic non-denominational yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills development. He has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac. He became certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists after completing his 500 training hours at Yoga Tree in San Francisco and Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, CA.
There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 248,640 times.
For many, losing a grandparent means losing a very special family member who has played a major role in their life. It can be very confusing and frightening to lose your grandmother, and we're here to help. We interviewed licensed clinical social worker Ken Breniman to help you learn how to cope, seek support, and move forward after the loss of your grandma, as well as ways to honor her memory and celebrate her life.
Coping with the Passing of Your Grandmother
The loss of a grandmother can be very painful, and it’s important to let yourself feel your emotions so you can begin to heal. Let yourself be sad, angry, or confused, and don’t be afraid to cry. Remember the fond memories you shared with your grandma, and reach out to loved ones for support during this difficult time.
Steps
Expert Q&A
-
QuestionHow do you honor a deceased grandparent?Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTKen Breniman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken has over 15 years experience of providing clinical support and community workshops utilizing a dynamic combination of traditional psychotherapy and yoga therapy. He specializes in eclectic non-denominational yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills development. He has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac. He became certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists after completing his 500 training hours at Yoga Tree in San Francisco and Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, CA.
Grief TherapistConsider keeping flowers or a candle in your home to honor your grandparent. Only burn the candle when you're able to watch it, however. -
QuestionWhat are some sources of support for dealing with the loss of a grandparent?Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTKen Breniman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken has over 15 years experience of providing clinical support and community workshops utilizing a dynamic combination of traditional psychotherapy and yoga therapy. He specializes in eclectic non-denominational yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills development. He has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac. He became certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists after completing his 500 training hours at Yoga Tree in San Francisco and Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, CA.
Grief TherapistSeek out a local support group, especially if your grandmother's death was fairly normal or natural. You can often find free resources through the group. However, you may want to work individually with a therapist if you're experiencing prolonged grief or acute distress, especially if there was an underlying trauma component to the death.
Video
Tips
-
If you don't feel like you can handle work and/or school right away, stay home. You may need time to mourn and recover, and it's normal and even expected.Thanks
-
Being sad, angry, and/or disappointed is an important part of the process of healing. Grief is not a sign of weakness. It is the result of a strong relationship.Thanks
-
If you feel extreme sadness, anger, or anxiety, talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Just talking about your feelings can make you feel better, and a friend, relative, or mental health professional can help comfort you.Thanks
Warnings
- If you’re an adult who needs to explain the death to a child, be careful about saying that someone died because they were old. The child may become fearful about losing other “old” people and may have distorted ideas of age.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
- ↑ https://childmind.org/article/should-children-attend-funerals/
- ↑ https://www.lipscomb.edu/news/psychology-students-learn-valuable-life-lessons-death-and-dying-class
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/death.html
- ↑ https://www.nextavenue.org/honor-loved-ones-memory/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
- ↑ https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/if-you-have-an-advanced-cancer/end-of-life/making-a-memory-box
- ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-to-deal-with-grief
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC116607/
- ↑ http://www.the-brights.net/action/activities/organized/arenas/2/parenting/DealingWithDeath.pdf
- ↑ https://www.weber.edu/CounselingCenter/grief.html
- ↑ Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT. Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/5-stages-of-grief-coping-with-the-loss-of-a-loved-one
- ↑ Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT. Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-life-simplified/202109/the-process-coping-grief-and-loss
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/families/grief
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/families/grief
- ↑ Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT. Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
- ↑ Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT. Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.weber.edu/CounselingCenter/grief.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/5-stages-of-grief-coping-with-the-loss-of-a-loved-one
- ↑ https://www.funeralbasics.org/4-ways-visiting-loved-ones-grave-can-help-you-grieve/
- ↑ https://www.weber.edu/CounselingCenter/grief.html
- ↑ https://www.heyalma.com/how-to-honor-the-dead/
- ↑ https://www.aarpethel.com/fulfillment/have-you-lost-a-loved-one-how-to-honor-their-legacy
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
- ↑ Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT. Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
About This Article
If you’ve recently lost your grandmother, try to find comfort and support by spending time with your family so you don’t feel so alone in your sadness. However, if you need some time by yourself, that’s okay too, just let your family know you want some space for now. Just remember that no matter how you’re feeling, your feelings are important and are a part of how you’re coping with letting go of someone you loved. When you feel like talking about your loss, share memories about your grandmother with family and friends, like telling stories about the good times spent together, as this will remind you of all the things you learned from her. You might even like to honor what she taught you by taking up a hobby or activity of hers and doing it yourself. For more advice from our Counselor co-author, including how to take care of yourself, keep reading.
Reader Success Stories
-
"This article helped me overcome the fact that she might die soon, but I have to take life as it comes and God always has a plan for us and we shouldn't mess with that plan. I believe in sanctity of life and the fact only God can give and take life."..." more