Fulfilling a loved one’s wishes is enormously satisfying, but what about the emotional needs of the people left behind?
Grief is a natural, personal and entirely necessary part of your personal journey as you come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
When you are working through the feelings associated with your cycle of grief it is important to remember you are not alone.
The cycle of grief:
Shock and denial– You may feel stunned and and feel as though you are struggling to keep up with your spinning thoughts.
Remember that helplessness does not equate to inadequacy. Talk with someone that you trust to assist you to organise what you need to do. Try to make notes as reminders and not rely on your memory alone.
Disorientation– You may feel confused in relation to time, place and person.
Don’t rush things, remember that fine details do not matter at this time. Again, speak with a trusted friend and when given time, you will start to feel yourself again.
Anger– You may experience anger or frustration with yourself, those who cared for your loved one, doctors, nurses, even God.
It is important to understand that the right amount of anger is part of survival. If this becomes destructive to yourself or others reach out to friends or a professional to assist you with these feelings.
Depression and loneliness– When the numbness wares off and the increasing awareness of the ‘foreverness’ sinks in you may struggle returning to your ‘normal’ life.
Take each day at a time, and permit yourself the time you need to heal. Try to ensure to keep in touch with your friends, children, siblings, parents who may also be grieving themselves and support each other.
Usefull links you may consider using.
Grief hotline – www.griefline.org.au
Australian Centre of Grief & Bereavement – www.grief.org.au
Lifeline- www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue- https://www.beyondblue.org.au