Coping with the loss of a close friend or family member may be one of the hardest challenges that many of us face, write the editors at the American Psychological Association health web site. Though “loss is understood as a natural part of life, but we can still be overcome by shock and confusion, leading to prolonged periods of sadness or depression” they add and offer these insights for responding to the death of a loved one.
1. Take comfort in understanding that everyone deals differently with grief. There is not one right or wrong way. “Everyone reacts differently to death and employs personal coping mechanisms for grief. Research shows that most people can recover from loss on their own through the passage of time if they have social support and healthy habits. It may take months or a year to come to terms with a loss. There is no “normal” time period for someone to grieve.”
2. There are no phases or stages of grief. “Don’t expect to pass through phases of grief either, as new research suggests that most people do not go through stages as progressive steps.” So free yourself from any pressure to “get through” the “stages” of grief.
3. You will get through this difficult time. “Human beings are naturally resilient, considering most of us can endure loss and then continue on with our own lives.”
4. Use these strategies for managing the loss from day to day -
*Talk about the death of your loved one with friends and colleagues in order to understand what happened and remember your friend or family member. Denying the death is an easy way to isolate yourself, and will frustrate your support system in the process.
*Accept your feelings. People experience all kinds of emotions after the death of someone close. Sadness, anger, frustration and even exhaustion are all normal.
*Take care of yourself and your family. Eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest help us get through each day and move forward.
*Reach out and help others dealing with the loss. Helping others has the added benefit of making you feel better as well. Sharing stories of the deceased can help everyone cope.
(Please feel free to re-post and/or share on your social media)
1. Take comfort in understanding that everyone deals differently with grief. There is not one right or wrong way. “Everyone reacts differently to death and employs personal coping mechanisms for grief. Research shows that most people can recover from loss on their own through the passage of time if they have social support and healthy habits. It may take months or a year to come to terms with a loss. There is no “normal” time period for someone to grieve.”
2. There are no phases or stages of grief. “Don’t expect to pass through phases of grief either, as new research suggests that most people do not go through stages as progressive steps.” So free yourself from any pressure to “get through” the “stages” of grief.
3. You will get through this difficult time. “Human beings are naturally resilient, considering most of us can endure loss and then continue on with our own lives.”
4. Use these strategies for managing the loss from day to day -
*Talk about the death of your loved one with friends and colleagues in order to understand what happened and remember your friend or family member. Denying the death is an easy way to isolate yourself, and will frustrate your support system in the process.
*Accept your feelings. People experience all kinds of emotions after the death of someone close. Sadness, anger, frustration and even exhaustion are all normal.
*Take care of yourself and your family. Eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest help us get through each day and move forward.
*Reach out and help others dealing with the loss. Helping others has the added benefit of making you feel better as well. Sharing stories of the deceased can help everyone cope.
(Please feel free to re-post and/or share on your social media)
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