Losing somebody close to you is one of the hardest things for anybody to deal with, and all of us will experience it at some point. There is no easy way to take away the pain, and all we can ask is to be with our remaining friends and family during this difficult time.
But although grief can be a harrowing experience for many people, there will come a time when we can move on with our lives. We will still remember them, love them, and wish they were here, but the pain subsides, at least for most of the time.
It’s inevitable that most of us will go through the grieving process at some point, including people from all walks of life. Regardless, it can help to recognize the symptoms of grief, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Shock: The news of a loved one’s death can come as a shock, and it can be difficult to process. Some people may even refuse to believe it and expect the deceased to turn up at some point.
- Sadness: Most people going through grief will feel sad, albeit to varying levels. For some people, the sadness can be difficult to cope with.
- Fear: Losing somebody that played a big part in your life can lead to anxiety about your future. It can even remind us of our own mortality.
- Guilt: Some people might feel as though they could have done more to prevent the departed from dying, even if such thoughts are not justified. Their reactions to the bereavement can also cause feelings of guilt.
- Anger: Many people will feel a sense of anger over the loss of their loved one. A 3rd party will sometimes receive the brunt of the pain regardless of whether they’re at fault.
- Physical Symptoms: Grief will also cause some unwelcome physical symptoms, such as nausea, aches and pains, fatigue, insomnia, and a weakened immune system.
While there may be no magic answer to take grief away, we can at least take steps to ensure that we cope as well as possible with it. Here’s a brief look into what you can do to help yourself and others to cope with the grieving process.
Acknowledge Your Suffering
Many people will try to put on a brave face after suffering a loss. Some might think they have to be strong for other people, especially when children are involved. Regardless of the reasons, one of the most important steps is to acknowledge the pain you’re going through and accept that it’s going to be a tough time.
When acknowledging your suffering, remind yourself that it’s normal to be feeling emotional and confused and you shouldn’t give yourself a hard time about it. Acknowledging that you’re going through a hard experience will also help prevent you from bottling your emotions up, which would likely make things worse for you and others.
Speak With Friends and Family
It’s important for the grieving process that you’re open with other people about your feelings. Don’t be afraid to say how you’re feeling and discuss it with those closest to you.
And while nobody wants to attend funerals and other ceremonies, they do often bring people together who don’t see each other often otherwise. For example, the death of a parent can bring siblings together, helping them remember the good times they had with the departed. Some people might even share funny stories, and laughing is a great way to release emotion.
Take a Break
If you can, take a week or two of work while you process everything, or at least a few days. You might also be busy with funeral arrangements and other commitments that help make it a good idea to take some time off work. Most employers will be very understanding and not expect you to work so soon after you’ve lost somebody.
If you can’t take time off work, or you can only get a little time, it can be a good idea to let your manager know what has happened. It will likely be difficult to focus and perform well after a bereavement, and others should know to be patient and understanding.
Ask for Help
It’s OK to ask for help if you’re feeling inundated. For example, you might be struggling with the funeral arrangement and need some help with organizing everything. After all, it can be very difficult to concentrate when you can’t stop thinking about the loss of your loved one.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help emotionally. Grieving is difficult for everybody and it’s OK to reach out to friends and family for a hug and some emotional support. If you feel as though the grief is too much for you then you can consider speaking with a doctor, although this is not usually necessary.
Look After Yourself
Remember that it’s essential to look after yourself no matter how bad you might be feeling. Make sure to eat properly and get plenty of rest. Neglecting your own well-being will only likely make things worse and they certainly won’t help you feel any better. You should also make sure to do the things you enjoy doing and avoid locking yourself away from everybody else.
Get in Touch
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience for anybody, and we are here to help. The team at Family Funerals is happy to take your call and help however we can. And while we can’t take the pain away, we can at least help make the process go as smoothly and stress-free for all involved.
