Losing someone we are close with can be an extremely difficult thing to experience and losing a family member can be particularly intense. Everyone grieves and copes with death differently, and there is no normal time period for someone to recover. The death of a family member can lead to shock, prolonged sadness, and even depression, but there are steps you can take to help you cope.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
One of the most important things you can do when faced with the death of a loved one is to allow yourself to grieve. You may experience shock, anger, sadness, and can even feel lost or helpless. This is normal, but it is necessary to express these feelings because keeping them in will only lessen your ability to cope. Talk to your family and friends about what you are feeling. It is likely that they are feeling the same emotions as you and talking about it will help you cope and find closure. Talking about your loved one after their death is also a great way to honor their memory and help you appreciate the moments you had with them. There are other ways to honor them as well, including donating to their favorite charities, planting a tree in their memory, or spending time with family to share stories and reminisce with photos of fun times. These kinds of activities, while they may seem difficult, will help you find closure and acceptance. When you experience the death of a family member, you will be filled with many emotions and may also be required to do things like make funeral arrangements or work with their estate planners to carry out their final will. During this time, it is imperative that you take care of yourself and not neglect your needs – eat well, get plenty of rest, and try to continue doing the things that bring you joy. Whether this is exercise or spending time with friends, this will help you cope and keep a level head while dealing with other responsibilities.
HOW TO MOVE FORWARD
While there is no right or wrong time to move on from the death of a family member, it is necessary to move forward and continue on with your own life. Your loved one would not want you to dwell on their death but rather remember the good times and enjoy the life that you are meant to live. If you find that you are experiencing symptoms of depression and cannot seem to accept what has happened, perhaps you should speak with a professional. A licensed therapist or counselor can help you work through your emotions and find effective ways to cope so you can get your life back on track. They can also assist you in handling any fear, guilt, or anxiety that is associated with the death of a family member. Another great option is a support group. These groups can help you find a community of individuals who are experiencing the same thing as you are, which can help you feel less alone and heard. Support groups can provide a safe space for you to express what you are feeling and a way to get new ideas and strategies on how to cope.
How can I get started with hospice care for my loved one?
Please call us 818-644-5357 to discuss your loved one’s needs and schedule an assessment to determine eligibility and develop a personalized care plan.