Coping with the Loss of a Loved One
One of the most stressful and painful events in anyone’s
life is the loss of a loved one. The literal meaning of bereavement
is “to be deprived by death".
What Can You Expect
When someone passes that
you have loved you can expect to feel many emotions. At first
you may feel numbness, this is usually followed by shock and
disbelief.
Other emotions you may experience include.
SADNESS
CONFUSION
GUILT
ANGER
DESPAIR
Remember all these feelings
are normal. They are healthy and help you come to terms with
your loss. It will take time to accept your loss. Each one
of us is an individual. There is no set time to grieve. It
can take months, sometimes years. It is important to express
your feelings. It may seem helpful to separate yourself from
the pain and anguish but you cannot avoid these feelings forever,
it needs to be dealt with.
Physical Symptoms Associated with Grief
INABILITY TO SLEEP
LACK OF ENERGY
UNABLE TO CONCENTRATE
LOSS OF APPETITE
MINOR ILLNESS
Sometimes the symptoms of grief can be acute.
NOT WANTING TO GET OUT OF
BED
NOT WANTING TO BE INVOLVED IN EVERYDAY LIFE
UNABLE TO CONCENTRATE
UNABLE TO WORK
THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
AVOIDING TALKING TO ANYONE
When these feelings occur
you would be advised to consult with your doctor. You maybe
suffer from depression.
How to Cope with Grief
Tell others how you feel,
by releasing your feelings it will help you through the grieving
process. Talk to people who have also lost loved ones, they
will understand how you feel and what your going through.
Take care of yourself, be
careful of developing reliance on medication or alcohol.
Don’t make any major
changes, changing jobs, moving home, marrying. You need to
time to adjust to your loss however long. Don’t be pushed
into making changes.
