This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information. If not otherwise stated, all prices are intended in US$.
Unfortunately, at one point in your life, you will lose a loved one. Naturally, you will be distraught and have no idea how to respond to such misfortune. There is no manual on the grieving process; therefore, you will need all the support from family and friends.
Of course, the support and contribution of funeral directors are non-negotiable. However, restoring your peace of mind is the only way to successfully grief. The trick is to avoid rushing the process or ignoring it entirely.
In reality, you can never prepare wholly for the death of your family members. However, psychologists developed a few steps to anticipate, from anger, hopelessness, to finally being at peace with the situation.
In this article, you will find the importance of counselling as a way to cope with loss.
Table of Contents
Avoiding Situations Doesn’t Make Them Easy
Sometimes, you might find the pain unbearable. In such cases, distractions such as work, drugs, and never mentioning the deceased will become your coping mechanism. When you are in the denial phase, you will often use phrases like: ‘I can’t do this, ‘it’s too much for me to bear.’
Nonetheless, do not feel pressured to move on with passive-aggressive comments like: ‘you should be over this by now.’ If you are not ready to let it all go, take as much time as you need.
However, during that time, look towards the future for inspiration and motivation.
Talking Destroys Negative Self-Criticism
It is natural to feel responsible or guilty whenever a loved one departs. In some cases, the guilt comes from the hopelessness that builds up because you think you could have done something to alter their demise. If not tamed, these negative emotions can build up and drive you to depression.
Sometimes, all you need is to air your raw feelings to friends who will help you realise their damage. A therapist can reassure you that you could have done nothing differently to hinder the death in the family.
You’ll be able to control your mind and feelings, not the other way around.
Reaffirms Your Beliefs about Life and Death
It is only through the death of a close family that you strengthen your beliefs about the afterlife. It will not only reassure you during these challenging times but also reinforce your faith.
At the same time, you have an opportunity to delve into philosophy, and maybe, if you are lucky, you can find another belief system.
Prevents Overindulgence in a Harmful Lifestyle
At your lowest point, alcohol and drugs might appeal to you. This attraction is because you seek to feel numb or drown the constant pain of awareness and sobriety.
In the long run, these habits will not only destroy your body but your life as well. As mentioned before, burying your sorrows is delaying progress. Instead, find fun and constructive ways to distract yourself.
You Honor the Memory of the Deceased
It is more helpful to remember your loved ones fondly as they depart from this world than immersing yourself in self-loathing and regret. As you talk about them, you will recall the memories you made together and make peace with their departure.
Final Thoughts
There is no formula for mourning a loved one. However, you can confide in a professional about your loss. Nonetheless, the loss will be painful, but the chances of regaining your peace of mind are high.
Leave a Reply