Coping with the loss of someone you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. Either we realize it or not, life would be incomplete without people to share it with. Resources, wealth or riches, mean nothing without loved ones to share it with. Often times, most memorable moments are spent with families and loved ones rather than in isolation. These people; friends, families and loved ones means more than a world to us. Relationships can get severed, but their is hope of reconciliation. Death is devastating and the loss irreplaceable.
Death brings loneliness and feelings of regret. “Maybe if I had been more present or prayed more'' or ''maybe he would have survived if i gave more”. ''I felt partly responsible for his death, I blamed myself in many ways''. These usually are the response and accusation we mount on ourselves. Here is finding a way out.
Ways of Dealing with the Death of a Loved One
Accepting the grief: It's okay to feel bad and terrible, after the death of a loved one. We all respond differently to situations like this. You could wake up in the morning feeling great and by midday, you feel down. It’s okay. Just remind yourself that the feelings are yours and it is perfectly normal. There is no point trying to “form superman”. Don’t put a time limit to getting out of grief. With time, the feelings of grief would pass.
Get support: The death of a loved one usually leaves a wide vacuum in the life of the survivor. It is therefore necessary to get as much support as one can from family, friends, pastor, imam or even a therapist. True, you might wish to be alone in this period but it is helpful to receive support from people that can be there for you emotionally and physically, if there is need for that.
Embrace life: The pain felt after the death of a loved one is real and often felt. Then, at some point, you must begin to live your life again. It is important to remember that our loved ones would want us to get our lives back on track. However, if you think doing this is difficult or seemingly impossible, you should seek help from a doctor, a guidance counselor or your religious leader.
If you are in such shoes, take time out to grieve and honor the dead. Live life and honor their memory.
Have you ever lost a loved one? How did you cope? Let's get the conversation going!!!
