We all have someone whom we love dearly. A special bond with that person has to lead to beautiful memories to cherish for life. Such people are our heartbeats and we don’t want any moment where we miss them. But whoever has a life in this world will pass away. Inevitable death can be harsh. Life hits you hard and it seems everything is falling apart. From accepting death to healing, is a complete process that requires self-care and affection.
Understanding Grief:
Grief is our natural emotional reaction to loss. Life and death are nature’s cycles. We all know about it but it’s hard to face it. After receiving the tragic news, it is natural to be shocked. Where you are not able to accept what happened, the family also needs to take care of funeral arrangements. In Singapore, Nirvana funeral services can take care of your funeral worries. Giving you time to grief and heal. Different Nirvana funeral packages can cater to your requirements. It takes your hassle of funeral preparation away. You can always consider the professional services of Nirvana Memorial Gardens’ which provides you comfort in distressing times.
Stages of Grief:
Understanding the process of grieving can help in healing quicker. You will know how far have you come in your healing process. There is no right or wrong way to grief. Everyone grieves differently but goes through basic stages of grief. Let’s break down these stages for better understanding.
- Denial:
The first reaction to death news is shock and denial. You are not willing to accept what just happened. We have seen even if a loved one was sick; his death news still is a shock for the family. Sudden death has more severe reactions. We want to avoid emotional pain. It is a natural way of limiting distressing emotions to only what we can handle. Sometimes it’s called survival emotions.
- Anger:
We can experience anger and helplessness on hearing the tragic news. When someone tries to console you or make you accept the news, you might have an outburst of emotions. Frustration and fear set in about how your life will be without them. Extreme emotional discomforts are felt.
- Bargaining:
After anger, you begin to think about what could have done differently to save the loved one. Different questions might arise like “Only If I took better care’’, ‘’ If I could come earlier’’, or ‘’If I hadn’t let her go out’’. Regret and guilt are often accompanied in this stage.
- Depression:
It is natural to have depression symptoms after a loss. A person is now trying to face a new reality. It takes time and emotional strength, which is not so strong at that moment. Insomnia, crying episodes, loss of concentration, and appetite are common triggers of sadness.
- Acceptance:
This stage is the acknowledgment of new reality. The feeling of sadness remains in this stage. But it helps in realizing that ‘’you need to move on now’’.
How to overcome Grief?
To overcome heart-wrenching loss is not smooth. You will get back to loved ones’ memories and feel devastated. You will encounter things, places, or moments reminding of the deceased. Mental health experts have given suggestions to help individuals overcome grief. Here are some of them.
- Talk to a Friend:
Keeping your emotions to yourself will do no good to you. It will lead to overthinking and assumptions. It’s okay not to be strong every time. Everyone has their low moments. Open up with a friend and tell them how you feel. If you are not comfortable expressing to a person, pen down your feelings.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques:
Grief also has physical effects. Your body will react adversely to mental and emotional distress. Relaxing or breathing techniques can help in soothing stressed muscles and nerves. Yoga can also help.
- Take care of Yourself:
Due to emotional trauma, people overlook their basic needs. They lose their focus and are lethargic. Take a good diet, have plenty of sleep. Your body needs your attention and care to function properly.
- Buckle up! This shall pass
Time heals everything. You won’t feel the same forever. Yes, you will miss them but you will eventually learn to move on. Hold on to memories, cherish and learn from them.
- Seek professional help:
Seek professional help if you have prolonged or incomplete grief. There are some signs of it. If you are unable to think of anything except the deceased. If you not be motivated to keep up with your routine. You are unable to focus on your daily work, an outburst of emotions. You need to see a mental health care provider. Their expertise will help you overcome and make peace with the new reality.
- Incomplete grief:
Some people block off their emotions which leads to incomplete grief. Such a person will have behavioral overreactions, obsession with the deceased, self-harm behaviors, or addiction. Psychologists advise such people to face what they are avoiding. They should let in their emotions and get closure.
How to deal with Grief Reminders:
You will encounter reminders and memories of the deceased. Be prepared as it is natural. Your grief will not end at a certain point. Remind yourself of the good memories you have with them and how they would feel to see you broken. When a memory hits you, face it, feel it and cherish it. It is okay to grief over again. It is all a part of the healing process.
Conclusion:
To overcome grief can be strenuous. Let it not consume you, for you have a life to live ahead. Remember the deceased’s life, learn from it and revive their spirit of life by living to your fullest!
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