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No one is ever fully prepared to lose a loved one. At times the pain may feel unbearable. Grieving individuals experience a roller coaster of emotions, where one day they feel okay and the next day they are overwhelmed with sadness.
The grieving process is different for everyone. The level of grief depends on a number of factors including how close you were to the person who died or how prepared you were for his or her death.
Although the grieving process often seems endless, it gets easier with time. Individuals suffering from grief can begin to heal when they familiarize themselves with the symptoms of grief and commit to the essential steps of the healing process.
To guide you through this very difficult time Eagle Funeral Homes offers several selected writings and Internet sources about the grieving process.
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Your Grieving Experience – What You May Expect
Source: Funeral Plan.com
Common Emotions
Although everyone’s grieving process is different, there are basic emotions that most people experience. The first emotion, shock, usually accompanies the news of a death. An individual may go numb or be unable to comprehend what is happening. A person in shock may practice everyday tasks but is unable to feel anything. Denial typically follows shock. Even though a person knows their loved one is gone, they may not be able to accept the truth.
As soon as individuals accept the death of a loved one, they often develop feelings of guilt. They either become upset over their last interaction with the loved one or they wish they could have done something to prolong the loved one’s life. Sadness inevitably follows guilt and may last for a week, a month or even years. During this stage, individuals may feel alone and experience frequent crying episodes.
Eventually a grieving person begins to move forward and braces themselves for life without the loved one. Acceptance is the first clear sign of healing and is usually accompanied by a positive attitude toward life. From this point on, individuals remain in a state of growth, where they learn to turn their loss into something meaningful.
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Physical Symptoms
· Sleeplessness
· Dizziness
· General malaise
· Upset stomach
· Heaviness in the chest
· Loss of appetite
· Mood swings
· Assuming the loved one’s mannerisms
· Inability to finish simple jobs
· Need to take care of others
· Need to repeat memories of the loved one
· Feeling the loved one’s presence
· Unexpected crying spells
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Ways to Cope with Grief
Source: Funeral Plan.com
Have a Funeral, Visitation or Memorial. Have a Funeral, Visitation or Memorial. Each of these services bring family and friends together and help the grieving form a support network. Most guests want to help the grieving in any way they can. They may offer to help with any difficulties you are experiencing, or they may offer their companionship.
Talk About Your Grief. The best way to deal with sadness is to communicate it to others. Share your favorite stories of your loved one. This will not only make it easier to talk about the death but also help you form lasting memories.
Find Hope. Form relationships with people who have experienced similar grief. They will reassure you that the pain will ease and life will get better.
Live A Healthy Life. Stress and grief are exhausting emotions. Exercise and nutrition will help you regain energy and strengthen your immune system. Make sure you also get plenty of rest.
Make Small Plans. During the grieving process it is important to go out and interact with others. Go on a walk with a friend or make a date for lunch. These activities will help you get through each day and ease your transition back into a normal routine.
Coping with grief is not an easy task. Allow yourself plenty of time to experience emotions, and grow to accept a new life without your loved one in your own time. Remember that it is important and healthy to grieve. Keep your friends and family informed on what you need throughout your healing process.
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