All of us must face the reality of death at some point in our lives–the reality of being separated from a cherished loved one. It is uncomfortable for many people to think about death and contemplate its eventuality. Yet only then can we come to fully understand the value and meaning of our own lives and of those around us. Only then can we begin to live our lives to the fullest.
Every death changes the lives of those close to the deceased person. The ability to change and adapt to changes around you is the key to accepting and dealing with death. As in the other aspects of our lives, the more we resist and fight against inevitable changes, the more pain we experience and the more unhappy we become.
In experiencing grief we may go through a full range of sometimes contradictory emotions such as denial, anger, sorrow, guilt and relief. We may fluctuate from feeling stable to being deeply depressed. Ultimately, we must arrive at acceptance, the last stage of the process. We know we have achieved this stage when we can see the life of our loved one as a fond memory instead of dwelling on the person’s death as a harsh reality. Only then can we go on living our own lives again. According to research, there are generally 10 stages in the grieving process:
Shock and Surprise
News of someone’s death is almsot always a shock. The reality of death may occur in a few minutes or a few days.
Emotional Release
The release of tension and feelings is necessary and usually occurs at the funeral or with family and friends, but is only the beginning of the grieving process.
Loneliness
After the funeral, when family and friends have gone home, feelings of emptiness may occur. Feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression begin.
Physical Distress and Anxiety
This stage can make the person feel so alone that he or she may develop the same physical symptoms that the deceased had.
Panic
It may become difficult to concentrate on anything because of constant memories of the deceased. In fact, this may cause a person to worry about his or her own stability. Not knowing what to do or what is happening can result in panic and weakened self-esteem.
Guilt
The surviving persons dwells on the things he or she could have done for the deceased. They may also feel responsible for the person’s death.
Hostility and Projection
This is a difficult stage for relatives and friends because the survivor suddenly becomes hostile to those whom he or she thinks could have prevented the death. Family and friends should try to be tolerant and non-defensive.
Lassitude
The person suffers in silence, weary from the depression and frustration. Becoming more active is the answer.
Gradual Overcoming of Grief
Through the affection and encouragement of friends and family, gradually a new meaning of life unfolds. The person’s outlook becomes brighter and more realistic.
Readjustment to Reality
Recalling the deceased becomes a pleasant experience and planning the future becomes more realistic.
What can you do to help your parent through his or her grief when a spouse dies or to help your child through the loss of a parent or grandparent? These are some of the major losses in life, but there are things you can do to help.
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