How To Deal with The Loss of a Sibling

Grief
March 26, 2025

The loss of a sibling is genuinely one of the most difficult things a person can face.

It does not matter the age at which this loss occurs.

You might need a lot of grief support to deal with the loss of a sibling.

It is easy for your feelings to get pent up after losing a sibling.

Worse, you might feel alone and unable to express your thoughts and feelings.

However, sharing your feelings can help you find some kind of relief to assist with the loss.

In times of grief, most people need support from others, whether or not they are aware.

It might help to connect with your family to deal with the loss of a sibling.

Afterward, your other family will likely also have spent much time with your lost sibling.

Mementos are an effective way to process the loss of a sibling.

It would help you to pick an item that helps you to memorialize your lost brother or sister.

The vital part about the memento is the feeling behind the item.

You can find ways to deal with the loss of a sibling below.

Share Your Feelings

One of the most challenging parts about the loss of a sibling is that you might feel alone.

You might feel like you have lost an integral part of your life that you can not recover.

This could cause you to be more withdrawn and disconnected from others.

Although it is tempting to retreat into yourself, this might also hurt your grieving process.

It is essential to share your feelings and thoughts with other members of your support group to deal with the loss of a sibling.

Consider searching for an outlet to share your feelings.

It is understandable that some feelings are difficult to put into words.

The essential part of sharing is you are trying to reach out.

This could help those around you to know how to take care of yourself.

You could also consider alternative means of sharing your feelings.

Some are better able to channel their feelings if they put them into music.

Soon enough, you could find the best way to share your feelings.

A lady crying in her room.

Connect with Family

Although each person grieves in their own way. It is important to remember that loss usually affects multiple people.

This means that other people are also grieving your sibling's loss.

It would be a great help to deal with the loss of a sibling by connecting with your family.

Other members of your family will likely be feeling similar to you.

This would include parents, other siblings if there are, cousins, and even close friends.

Your family likely shares a lot of history with your lost sibling.

You can connect with your family and trade stories about your lost sibling.

This might remind you of the life of your sibling.

It could also help you understand you aren't alone in your loss.

Family is an essential place to find and receive support.

You can choose to share with your other siblings or parents, or other family members.

Some of these people might be able to help you to work through your pain and sadness.

A man carrying his relative

Be Patient with Yourself

There is no standard time for one to grieve.

Each person has their method of dealing with loss.

An important thing to remember when grieving a sibling is to be patient with yourself.

The length of grief also varies.

For instance, you might expect to grieve for only a certain period, like the last time you were mourning.

However, your relationship with each person is different; the same can be said about how you grieve for them.

It would help you to understand in advance that you might change in some ways.

Your family dynamics will likely be altered too.

Try to be patient with yourself throughout the changes.

Generally, the loss of a sibling is tough.

You might doubt whether it is even possible to deal with the loss of a sibling at some point.

However, in time you will likely be able to accept the loss and accept the changes that come with the loss.

Honor Your Sibling's Memory

A great way to deal with the loss of a sibling is to honor your sibling's memory.

This means creating a legacy for your sibling in whatever way you can.

You could consider a marathon run in honor of your sibling.

You can choose the event by selecting something very dear to your sibling.

For instance, if your sibling liked to volunteer at charities, you could create an educational volunteer group.

The important part here is doing it in honor of your sibling.

Another way to approach an event would be to look at the cause of loss.

For instance, you might pick a marathon to raise awareness about cancer if your sibling passed on from cancer.

Some people might still struggle with the event to select for the memorial.

Try not to get wrapped about the event.

The crucial bit is creating a legacy for your sibling that lives on even after their passing.

Create Mementos

A great way to deal with the loss of a sibling is to create mementos.

A memento is an object or anything that will always remind you of your sibling.

This might help you to keep your siblings with you.

It is vital to find an idea that reminds you of your sibling.

You could select one of their old items, such as a shirt or baseball cap.

The feeling you get from the memento is the most crucial bit.

The central idea of creating a memento is not just to have a random object but to find a way to remember your sibling.

You might struggle with guilt if you lose that connection.

The feeling of forgetting your sibling is another type of grief you might encounter.

The bond between siblings is quite profound.

It will likely be a difficult journey to deal with the loss of a sibling.

However, a memento might help to lessen that burden in a way.

Conclusion

There are some times people need more support for grief after losing a sibling.

This is an incredibly difficult moment to get by.

You can deal with the loss of a sibling by sharing your feelings, connecting with family, being patient with yourself, honoring your sibling's memory, and creating mementos.

Resources 

How to Comfort Someone Who Has Lost a Sibling (wikihow.com)

Grieving the Loss of a Sibling: Tips to Cope I Psych Central

How to Cope With Sibling Grief (verywellmind.com)

Grieving the Loss of a Sibling | Cancer.Net

How to Deal With Your Sibling's Death: 11 Steps (wikihow.com)

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Grief

How do I deal with my loved one's addiction?

Dealing with someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can be difficult. It is important to remember that addiction is a disease, and the addict is not responsible for their behavior. You can offer support and understanding, but it is important to set boundaries. You can also get help for yourself through therapy or counseling.

Do I have to talk about my loss during grief counseling sessions?

It is not mandatory that all conversations revolve around the issue causing your grief but our therapists will provide guidance on how best to process the situation. You are in control of how much or little you want to share in a session, but it is important to stay open and honest with your therapist for optimal results.

What type of grief counseling is available in Colorado Springs?

We offer a variety of specialized services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy.

What can happen if I don't seek help for my grief?

Ignoring grief can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation, chronic sadness, and even physical health complications.

What are some things I should avoid saying to an elderly loved one who is grieving?

There are a few things you should avoid saying to someone who is grieving, as they can come across as insensitive or unhelpful. For example, don't tell them that it's "time to move on" or that they "should be over it by now." It's also best not to make any assumptions about how they're feeling or what they need – instead, ask them directly how you can help.

What are some things I can do to heal from my grief during the holidays?

There are a few things you can do to help ease your pain during the holiday season. First, try to avoid triggers that may cause you to feel sad or upset. Triggers can be anything from certain songs or smells, to seeing certain people or places. If you know there will be triggers at holiday gatherings, try to arrive late or leave early if possible. You can also try to create new traditions that don't involve the triggers.