There is almost an implicit expectation that you won't be directly affected by your parent's death. An adult is supposed to accept death as a fact of life and respond to any unexpected losses maturely. But what does that mean? Must you not be depressed? You shouldn't need to grieve your parents since you should be so thankful they didn't pass away while you were a child?

According to the best book on grieving the loss of a parent, grief is a mirror of a shattered relationship. Whether you are an adult or your mother or father had a long life does not make that loss less significant. Our society puts a lot of pressure on us to move past loss and sadness. But how long can you mourn the loss of the man who raised you for 30 years? Do you grieve your mother of 50 years now? Even though the loss only lasts for a split second, its effects last a lifetime. Loss is real, so grief is also real. Every loss leaves a mark as distinct and individual as the person we lost. It makes no difference how old we are. Author Megan Cerda has written a phenomenal life of faith book series: "Finding Joy In The Journey." The novel includes the accounts and friendships of a lifetime she had with the people she loves.

Following are the 4 tips that'll help you cope with a loss of a parent:

Allow Yourself to Experience All the Emotions That do Arise

Some people's natural reaction to grief is to repress the challenging feelings that accompany it. People may need to resort to work, alcohol, or other distractions to "remain strong." But in the end, if you don't allow yourself to feel, this strategy won't help you deal with and move through your emotions.

Additionally, repressing or compartmentalizing your emotions might make them explode in angry outbursts or make you emotionally distant from those around you.

According to the best book on grief and loss of a parent, allowing yourself to grieve (to face your suffering) triggers your body to begin healing. It's acceptable to employ diversion and other strategies to get through some of your days, but doing so might be harmful. Allowing yourself to experience your feelings compels you to develop coping mechanisms and learn to live with your loss. It strengthens your emotional fortitude.

Create a Support Network

Turn to your support network, whether it be friends, family, group therapy, or a bereavement counselor. According to many researchers, reaching out to a family member or close friend who also lost a parent might be helpful. Assistance from family members and counseling is beneficial for both young adults and middle-aged individuals who have lost a parent.

Pick confidantes who can lend you a sympathetic ear when you need it. According to grief and hope books, talking and venting your sentiments can aid in processing your feelings.

There is always a risk that you didn't get a chance to tell or settle things with someone you knew before they passed away. For example, some people are heartbroken that a parent didn't share family recipes. In contrast, others lament unfinished business or unspoken dialogues, yet others are saddened that a parent skipped graduation, a wedding, or another significant occasion.

Write a Heartfelt Letter to your Parent

Try writing your parent a letter. Concentrate on what you wanted to say to your parents but couldn't, what you want to say in gratitude, what you regret, and what you want to continue as a part of their legacy. Understand that it won't be sent, but it's for you to process and let go of what's inside you.

Consider Planning Holidays, Birthdays, and the Anniversary of a Parent's Death

It could be difficult the first year without your parent around for occasions like Father's Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas. The second year can be equally difficult for some families. Making preparations in advance for these important events can help. Create a family ritual or tradition that can be as candid as lighting a candle, toasting, or cooking your parent's favorite dish to share with the family in their honor on a special event you know they'll be missed at.

Understanding Your Loss

Commencing the opening of the hope organization, which is committed to assisting others in finding meaning and purpose following their loss, can be inaugurated due to losing a parent. This is exactly what your parent would have wanted you to do because it can help others deal with their suffering and recover from their loss.

Also, try to derive some significance from your loss. For example, be aware of when you are carrying out a tradition your parents started or applying a lesson they taught you. It gives you a chance to get in touch with your lost parent and gives your loss some context. Don't try to push these moments, though; let them happen as they will.