The loss of a loved one is life\u2019s most stressful event and can cause a major emotional crisis. After the death of someone you love, you experience\u00a0bereavement<\/em>, which literally means \u201cto be deprived by death.\u201d<\/p>\n Remember\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0It takes time to fully absorb the impact of a major loss. You never stop missing your loved one, but the pain eases after time and allows you to go on with your life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When a death takes place, you may experience a wide range of emotions, even when the death is expected. Many people report feeling an initial stage of numbness after first learning of a death, but there is no real order to the grieving process.<\/p>\n Some emotions you may experience include:<\/p>\n These feelings are normal and common reactions to loss. You may not be prepared for the intensity and duration of your emotions or how swiftly your moods may change. You may even begin to doubt the stability of your mental health. But be assured that these feelings are healthy and appropriate and will help you come to terms with your loss.<\/p>\n It is not easy to cope after a loved one dies.\u00a0 You will mourn and grieve.\u00a0 Mourning is the natural process you go through to accept a major loss. Mourning may include religious traditions honoring the dead or gathering with friends and family to share your loss.\u00a0 Mourning is personal and may last months or years.<\/p>\n Grieving is the outward expression of your loss.\u00a0 Your grief is likely to be expressed physically, emotionally, and psychologically. For instance, crying is a physical expression, while depression is a psychological expression.<\/p>\n It is very important to allow yourself to express these feelings. Often, death is a subject that is avoided, ignored or denied. At first it may seem helpful to separate yourself from the pain, but you cannot avoid grieving forever. Someday those feelings will need to be resolved or they may cause physical or emotional illness.<\/p>\n Many people report physical symptoms that accompany grief. Stomach pain, loss of appetite, intestinal upsets, sleep disturbances and loss of energy are all common symptoms of acute grief. Of all life\u2019s stresses, mourning can seriously test your natural defense systems. Existing illnesses may worsen or new conditions may develop.<\/p>\n Profound emotional reactions may occur. These reactions include anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, depression and thoughts of suicide. An obsession with the deceased is also a common reaction to death.<\/p>\n The death of a loved one is always difficult. Your reactions are influenced by the circumstances of a death, particularly when it is sudden or accidental. Your reactions are also influenced by your relationship with the person who died.<\/p>\n A child\u2019s death<\/strong>\u00a0arouses an overwhelming sense of injustice \u2014 for lost potential, unfulfilled dreams and senseless suffering. Parents may feel responsible for the child\u2019s death, no matter how irrational that may seem. Parents may also feel that they have lost a vital part of their own identity.<\/p>\n A spouse\u2019s death<\/strong>\u00a0is very traumatic. In addition to the severe emotional shock, the death may cause a potential financial crisis if the spouse was the family\u2019s main income source.\u00a0 The death may necessitate major social adjustments requiring the surviving spouse to parent alone, adjust to single life and maybe even return to work.<\/p>\n Elderly people<\/strong>\u00a0may be especially vulnerable when they lose a spouse because it means losing a lifetime of shared experiences. At this time, feelings of loneliness may be compounded by the death of close friends.<\/p>\n A loss due to suicide<\/strong>\u00a0can be among the most difficult losses to bear. They may leave the survivors with a tremendous burden of guilt, anger and shame. Survivors may even feel responsible for the death.\u00a0 Seeking counseling during the first weeks after the suicide is particularly beneficial and advisable.<\/p>\n Coping with death is vital to your mental health. It is only natural to experience grief when a loved one dies. The best thing you can do is allow yourself to grieve. There are many ways to cope effectively with your pain.<\/p>\n If someone you care about has lost a loved one, you can help them through the grieving process.<\/p>\n Children who experience a major loss may grieve differently than adults. A parent\u2019s death can be particularly difficult for small children, affecting their sense of security or survival. Often, they are confused about the changes they see taking place around them, particularly if well-meaning adults try to protect them from the truth or from their surviving parent\u2019s display of grief.<\/p>\n Limited understanding and an inability to express feelings puts very young children at a special disadvantage. Young children may revert to earlier behaviors (such as bed-wetting), ask questions about the deceased that seem insensitive, invent games about dying or pretend that the death never happened.<\/p>\n Coping with a child\u2019s grief puts added strain on a bereaved parent. However, angry outbursts or criticism only deepen a child\u2019s anxiety and delays recovery.\u00a0 Instead, talk honestly with children, in terms they can understand. Take extra time to talk with them about death and the person who has died. Help them work through their feelings and remember that they are looking to adults for suitable behavior.<\/p>\n Remember, with support, patience and effort, you will survive grief. Some day the pain will lessen, leaving you with cherished memories of your loved one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Coping With Loss The loss of a loved one is life\u2019s most stressful event and can cause a major emotional crisis. After the death of someone you love, you experience\u00a0bereavement, which literally means \u201cto be deprived by death.\u201d Remember\u00a0\u2014\u00a0It takes … Continue reading Knowing What to Expect<\/h2>\n
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Mourning A Loved One<\/h2>\n
Dealing with a Major Loss<\/h2>\n
Living with Grief<\/h2>\n
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Helping Others Grieve<\/h2>\n
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Helping Children Grieve<\/h2>\n
Looking to the Future<\/h2>\n