Grieving
The death of a loved-one is one
of the most emotionally traumatic experiences you can encounter,
and the sense of loss; grief, anger and other emotions that follow
are a natural and integral part of the grieving process.
These emotions are not a sign of weakness, but are a way for you to cope
with the death of a loved one. Ignoring grief delays sorrow and
clinging to grief prolongs pain. Although you may not return to the
same space after the death of a close relative, healing takes time
but it does take place.
Strong emotions and mood changes are a normal part of grieving.
Grieving is a very personal experience and there is no right or wrong
way to grieve. The level of pain is determined by culture, the relationship
quality with the deceased and events leading up to the death.
The following stages of grief are commonly experienced, although not everyone
will go through all these stages. The healthy response to grief
according to Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, who has studied countless
numbers of people both young and old, who were dying, passes through
the following stages:
1. Denial & isolation
2. Rage & anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
6. Hope
A funeral is mainly for the living. It is a celebration and thanksgiving
of the life of the loved one who has died. People touched by the
life of the deceased have the opportunity to experience the celebration
of his or her life and to say goodbye.
Attending the funeral of a loved one helps you and your family to say goodbye. After the funeral you may feel empty, lonely and sad. But it is wise to return to your normal life although it may be difficult to return to undertake a balanced routine. It may help to live one day at the time although some days are tougher and longer than others.