Losing a loved one is never easy. If you’re the person responsible for informing others of the person’s passing, the loss can be even more devastating. You want to find ways to memorialize your lost friend or family member while still leaving time for your own grieving process. While it can be difficult, there are many ways you can pay your respects. The below guide details some of the different ways you can celebrate the life that’s been lost.

Find an appropriate way to share the news

You can’t call every single person the deceased knew to share the news of their passing. Immediate family members and close friends should be notified via phone calls. To share the news more widely, consider using a broader platform, like publishing a notice in a local newspaper or church notice board. You can also use social media to share the news. The next section provides a step-by-step plan for using social media to alert others of a loved one’s passing by creating a memorial account.

Use social media as an outlet

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram will let you transform an individual’s social media profile into a memorial page. You will just have to provide documentation of their passing, like a death certificate. For Facebook, you’ll have to submit proof of authority, like a power of attorney, plus proof of death, like an obituary. For Instagram, the process is the same. Once you have access to a person’s account, post an initial notice of their passing and let people know they can use the page to post memories or condolences.

Be prepared for questions

It’s natural for people to have questions when someone passes, especially if they were younger or the death was unexpected. They may turn to you with their queries. According to Lady Anne Funerals, people may also ask how things have been with your family, how you’re doing, or how they can help. Decide beforehand how you want to reply. You’re not obligated to give more information than desired. If you don’t want to discuss details, you can simply say you’re doing your best and ask for privacy and understanding.

Invest in a tangible memorial object

Social media can be one nice way to memorialize a lost loved one. However, it can also be heartwarming to have something more tangible as a memory. For example, you might create a photo book of memories. Another option is installing bronze plaques that display details like the deceased’s name and birthdate or a favorite quote of theirs. These plaques can be tailored in terms of color, thickness, borders, texture, color, and more.

Prepare for the practicalities

Your loved one may have a will or trust they’ve left behind. If you’re responsible for managing their estate, initiate the necessary legal steps. For example, if they had a will and named you the trustee, you have to initiate the probate process. You may also need to handle their assets, like a family home. If the property is to be sold, work with a real estate agent who’s familiar with probate law to streamline the process.

Make sure you’re taking care of yourself

The grieving process is stressful, especially when you’re also dealing with technicalities like probate. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself during this stressful time. For example, deep breathing techniques can help calm your nerves when you’re making tough decisions about probate and related issues. You can also try meditation to combat stress, using an app like Headspace to guide you through the process.

Managing the logistics following a loved one’s passing is difficult, especially when you have your own grieving to deal with. Make sure you’re taking steps to safeguard your well-being, for example, by managing your stress levels. This is a tough period, but it will pass.

For more content like this, visit the Nobelia.org Self-Discover Project blog.