The grieving process is complex and all-consuming, and depending on the nature of the loss, it can be very difficult for people to process their emotions after losing someone that they love.
For many people who are dealing with grief, writing can be a therapeutic and beneficial activity. Children sometimes find it challenging to wrap their heads around the reality and finality of death, and adults can be left with unanswered questions that are difficult to comprehend.
By using grief writing prompts…
You can embark on a personal journey of healing and transformation, finding solace and strength in the process.
If you or someone you love are dealing with loss, you can use these grief writing prompts to help begin or work through the healing process and gain a deeper understanding of your emotions.
15 Grief Journal Prompts for Kids
- What is your favorite happiest memory of the person or animal you recently lost? Describe that moment in your journal.
- Right now you probably feel sad and that’s okay. Write about what brings you comfort during this time. Why do you think that is?
- Dealing with loss is tough stuff and many of your friends may not understand. Write a journal entry about what you wish you could share with your friends about losing someone you love.
- Explain how your body feels when you think about the person or animal that you lost in your life.
- You are probably missing that special someone today. Take the time to write about what kind of person they were and what you would share with them today if you could.
- Sometimes, we need a private space to grieve and express our sadness. Describe a private space where you like to go when you feel sad or when you want to cry.
- The loss of a pet is also quite difficult. What kind of pet did you have? What memories did you make together? Write about a time when you felt you took really good care of your pet.
- Using a pen or pencil, draw the person or animal that you miss. Then, write a descriptive paragraph about your drawing and how you feel today.
- Write down three healthy ways that you can cope with your feelings of sadness or frustration after loss.
- Self-care practices can help us take care of ourselves while we work through our feelings and emotions after losing someone or something we love. What are some self-care practices that make you feel good, both on the inside and outside?
- Grief can be particularly difficult and overwhelming for teens, who are going through a life-altering experience during a time of physical and emotional change. As a teen who recently lost someone that you love, what do you wish adults understood about your feelings and emotions?
- It can help to talk to our family members about the way we feel. Write about one family member who you feel you can trust. Why do you trust that person? When is a good time or where is a good place to connect with them?
- Poetry is a wonderful way to express your feelings. Use this journal space to write a poem about who you miss.
- Sometimes when we are grieving, we feel multiple emotions at once. Do you ever feel two or more emotions at one time? What does that feel like to you?
- Finish this sentence: Today, I need someone to understand that…
15 Grief Writing Prompts for Adults
- Your perspective about a person can change after their death. Is there anything that you learned about your loved one since their passing? How does that perspective impact your grief journey?
- Finish this sentence: Today, I need…
- What is the hardest time of day for you during this period of grief and mourning? Why do you feel that is the most difficult time of day?
- Grief triggers can be incredibly powerful and can sometimes bring on an unexpected wave of grief. Write down your grief triggers and explain what you do to cope.
- Developing extensive support systems after loss is essential to your healing process. Describe your current support system and also list your current needs.
- Look at your favorite pictures of the person or animal that you lost. What emotions do you feel? Why are these your favorite pictures?
- The anniversary of your loss can be daunting. Write about how you feel in the lead-up to the anniversary of the death of a loved one and describe how you plan to spend that anniversary.
- Grief can also be a journey of self-discovery. What have you learned about yourself while navigating this loss?
- Describe your favorite memory of the person you miss. Don’t be afraid to let the tears flow. This can be a therapeutic writing process that allows you to release some of your emotions.
- Many people experience guilt in the aftermath of death. Do you feel guilty? Why or why not? Once you have described your feelings of guilt, write a letter of compassion to yourself, forgiving yourself for anything you are holding onto.
- Keeping a gratitude grief journal can help you focus on the positives, even during your hardest days. Write down three things that you are grateful for today.
- The journey of grief is not linear. You can expect some days to be more difficult than others. How are you feeling today?
- Some people experience signs and signals from those who have passed. Have you noticed any symbols lately that have reminded you of your loved one? How did those signals make you feel?
- The loss of a family member is unimaginable and leaves a significant void in our lives. What have you found is the most difficult part of moving on after the loss of a family member? How would you like to see your life shift and evolve as you process this loss?
- Anxiety and depression often accompany feelings of grief. As you work to manage your feelings of anxiety and depression, you may find that a guided grief journal is a powerful tool. In today’s entry, write about what you are most scared of as you face this loss, and describe what you are doing, if anything, to manage those fears. If your feelings of anxiety and depression are overwhelming, be sure to contact a grief counselor for help.
15 Journaling Prompts for Healing & Honoring the Memory of Your Beloved
Losing someone we love leaves an ache that words can scarcely describe. May these journaling prompts offer a gentle pathway to process your grief, explore some sweet and sad memories of your beloved, and begin the journey toward healing your heart.
- What movie reminds you of your person? Is there a song that reminds you of them?
- Who has supported you the most after your person died? What did or do they do that makes you feel supported?
- What is your favorite grief comfort food? Is there a food that you now avoid?
- Is there anything that you wish you would have heard from your person before they died?
- What was your person’s favorite color? What was their favorite food?
- What is a positive quality or trait you admire about the person you miss?
- What is something about grief that you didn’t expect?
- What is your “new normal” like? Describe your typical day and how the loss of your person has changed your daily life.
- What dreams have you had with our about the person that you have lost?
- What scents bring back memories of your person? Describe them.
- Write a letter to your person, saying everything you wish you could have expressed before they died.
- What, if anything, brings you comfort in your grief?
- What was your person’s favorite holiday?
- How did the person you miss die?
- Life without you is…
Why Use Grief Writing Prompts as Part of Your Healing Journey
Grief writing prompts offer a unique opportunity for personal reflection and emotional processing during a challenging time.
- Emotional Release: Writing allows you to express your feelings freely, whether it’s sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief. Putting your emotions on paper can help alleviate the emotional burden and provide a sense of catharsis.
- Self-Understanding: Grief can be a complex and confusing experience. Writing prompts encourage you to explore your thoughts and feelings, leading to a deeper understanding of your own grief journey.
- Memory Preservation: Writing about your loved one or the experience of loss allows you to preserve cherished memories and honor their legacy. It can also help you to find meaning in the loss and create a lasting tribute.
- Healing and Growth: Engaging in grief writing can facilitate the healing process by helping you to process your emotions, find acceptance, and move forward. It can also foster personal growth and resilience.
- Safe Space for Reflection: Writing provides a private and judgment-free space to reflect on your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. You can write honestly and openly without fear of judgment or criticism.
Grief writing prompts offer a therapeutic outlet for processing loss and pain. By putting pen to paper, you can explore your emotions, memories, and reflections on the person or thing you’ve lost. Whether you’re writing about a recent loss or revisiting a past sorrow, your journal can provide a safe space for self-reflection and healing.
95 More Free Writing Prompts
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- 29 Sad Writing Prompts to Process Emotion
For most people, grief is not a short or simple experience. As you continue to manage your grief and process the significant losses in your life, you should prioritize your writing practice as a way to process your emotions and learn how to live your life after loss. Always be kind to yourself, and always keep on writing.
Until next time, write on…
If these Grief Writing Prompts were helpful for you,
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Sincerely,
Jill
journalbuddies.com
creator and curator
PS – Click here to find available grief resources and support in your area.
