Most individuals will go through a period of bereavement and grief after losing someone they love, and this can be a particularly trying time for you if the death of your loved one was sudden and unexpected. But it is no less trying if your loved one has been sick for some time – their passing can be as painful since no one can be prepared for such a loss. But whilst you are still trying to deal with your loss, you may also have to think about arranging your loved one’s funeral and making sure it is what they would have wanted alongside trying to comfort other loved ones as well. But if you are finding it difficult to contend with your loss and would like to find comfort and support, here’s what you should know about dealing with the loss of a loved one: how to cope.
Know the symptoms
Loss, grief, and bereavement can be different for everyone, and no person carries it the same way as the next. But there are specific symptoms associated with it, too, and if you are bereaved and grieving, symptoms can include a feeling of numbness and shock, as if you are ‘in a daze.’ Other symptoms also include an overwhelming sense of sadness accompanied by tears and exhaustion or tiredness. You may also feel anger, either for the reason you have lost your loved one or for the person you have lost. It is normal to feel guilt, especially about feeling such anger, regret, and not being able to help your loved one.
The things you can do to cope
- If you feel up to it, talk about your feelings with someone, such as a family member, friend, or counsellor. During the early part of your loss, you can also confide in and seek help from a funeral director in charge of arranging the funeral, and they can lessen your stress and worry about the various details involved in the funeral, as confirmed by independent funeral services such as www.carrollandcarrollfunerals.co.uk.
- Try not to do everything simultaneously – it’s easier and kinder for yourself to set targets that are small and easily doable.
- It may be easier said than done, but try not to focus on aspects you could no longer change; instead, dedicate your energy and time to helping your loved ones and yourself.
- Get as much sleep as you can. Sleep is important, but it can be difficult to fall (and stay) asleep if a loved one passes away. There are some ways you can do so, however, such as keeping a regular schedule for sleeping and not deviating from it, making sure you are sufficiently relaxed when it’s almost time to sleep, and even listening to relaxing or soothing sounds whilst you are in bed.
- You may want to consider getting support from peers as well, and this is where individuals can talk about their experiences so they can help each other and give advice and understanding.
When we lose someone we love, it can be a devastating, life-altering experience. But with the right help and support, you can get through it. Remember: there is no right or wrong way to overcome bereavement, loss, and grief, but be open and seek help if you feel that it is too difficult to bear.