Losing a loved one is never easy for anyone and coping with that loss becomes very difficult for you as you start learning to navigate life without them.
Death is one thing that is unplanned, but it has to happened as it’s part of the life cycle.
The HelpGuide organisation discusses and defines what grief is and also suggests ways you can cope after losing a loved one. They state that grief is caused by loss, leading to emotional suffering and disruption of physical health. It tends to cause unexpected emotions like shock or anger that may make you feel overwhelmed.
Grieving is a deeply personal journey, influenced by various factors such as personality, coping mechanisms, life experiences, faith, and the significance of the loss. There is no time frame for mourning, it varies greatly among individuals. Regardless of the length of your mourning experience, it is crucial to treat yourself with kindness and allow the process to unfold naturally.
According to News in Health, the experience of losing a loved one can lead to significant emotional transformations such as feelings of sorrow, isolation, frustration, and challenges with concentration or sleep. Grief is characterised as a natural reaction to loss that differs in intensity and duration. The way individuals express their grief can be influenced by cultural beliefs and practices.
Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal, a psychologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, explains the importance of giving yourself permission to grieve and allowing oneself to feel whatever emotions arise. She encourages individuals to be compassionate and kind to themselves during the grieving process.
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