Dealing With Loss or Bereavement

Dealing With Loss or Bereavement

When coping with a death many bereaved people go through all kinds of emotions. Feelings of emptiness, anger, shock, fear are just some of the common symptom of grief. Emotions might be stronger or deeper than usual and are all natural and appropriate reactions to losing a loved one to death.

Grief is a normal reaction to a death or loss of a person’s life. It is worth noting that grief is not just about death. There are many different types of loss: a person can grieve over the break-up of their marriage, loss of job, loss of a limb or loss of financial independence.

The intensity of grief may relate to the suddenness or predictability of the death and how you feel about the person who died. Accepting the reality of the loss takes time. Each person grieves differently and has their own schedule. It is important to remember that the grieving process is personal and individual.

Some bereaved people take joy and comfort by talking about their loved one over and over again. While this may give them pleasure this may become an irritant for the family member or close friend that has to listen to the bereaved talk about their loss over and over again.

It is absolutely essential that the bereaved give themselves permission to have difficult times on birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions. Making a memory book or memory box often brings delight to the bereaved because it serves as a keepsake. It is not uncommon to find writing a goodbye letter or a meaningful ritual such as candle lighting to be a great comfort for them. One good point that should be remembered is that the bereaved should try to do things that bring them great pleasure.

Healing from grief does not mean forgetting about our loved one. It just means that we have come to a place in our lives where we have accepted the loss.

Life coaches and counsellors can help you in dealing with this loss or bereavement.