Dealing with Death of a Loved One

I know not what to say
When you were there,
The days were so happy and gay
Now, in a flash, you are gone
Taking all my happiness away

Well, these are not some lines from any poem by a famous author as you might have thought, they, nevertheless aptly though inadequately express I believe the emotional trauma faced by an individual coping with death of a beloved person. Words, to say the least, fall short of any consolation and comfort for a person in this situation. Nevertheless I am going to attempt and bring some solace to frayed hearts through this article. Dealing with the death of a loved one requires a lot of mental strength and however painful, the acceptance of losing that person. The text below would (hopefully) help you in handling the death of a loved one.

Dealing with a Death

Acceptance: Acceptance of losing a loved one is a tough ask. For opening up your heart to express what you feel about the loss it is necessary that you first accept and digest the fact that he or she is no more. It is natural for the relatives or people extremely close to go into denial. But you cannot live in an illusive world and life is unfair as it is. You have to come to terms with the truth. But that does not mean you rush into forcing yourself to take it in. It will take time to sink in a few days, months. It has to, eventually, because life has to go on.

Venting Out: Speak out as much as you want about that person and how you are feeling about his or her death. This will further help you get a grip on the truth. Cry, let out your emotions if you want to or feel like. Crying acts like a pressure system for your heart. The load of emotions sometimes gets a bit too much. Crying out gives you relief in such a situation. This is not to say that you cry so much so as to make your eyes puffy. The point is to express and vent your bottled feelings to family members and friends when dealing with grief after death. Read more on how to deal with grief.

Give it Some Time: Coping with grief over the loss of a loved one is not an overnight solution. Obviously it will take time for you to get out of the emotional setback. Never mind, let the things take their natural course. Time is the best healer, they say. Let some time go by. Be patient and make up your mind that it is a long process and it will take time.

Duty Towards Yourself: You have to take care of yourself at least for the sake of others who care for you. Starving yourself or not eating or not taking proper rest is unfortunately not going to help get that individual back (I know this is a bit harsh and easier said than done, but still you have to try). Therefore, taking proper rest, eating and doing everything as before will perhaps make things easier for you. This will be for your own good ultimately.

Distraction Works: I know when you are dealing with the death of a loved one, everything seems to have come to naught. Even then, brace yourself and do things which will divert your mind from the thoughts of the grievous death. This will prove effective at least for some time. Forgetting totally about that person will be almost next to impossible.

Get in Touch with Others with Similar Experience: Try and reach out to others with similar experience and exchange ideas and share the grief. If you are feeling 'WHY ME', then this might be a good option to ponder over. You will know that there are people like you, pained and aggrieved and shocked and traumatized. Be open to putting across your emotions and listening to what they have to say and vice versa. This way you would have helped the others in dealing with a death. You could also find some solace in spirituality if you are inclined towards it.

Finally, I would say that remember the fond memories of that person while dealing with his/ her death. Through memories that person will always be with you. This will help you in dealing with a death. Have the faith that he or she is definitely there somewhere and happy. Take care!