Loss of a loved one
Grief is a natural reaction to death and often manifests itself as many kinds of feelings and bodily sensations. Grief helps adapt to a new life situation. Over time and with the support of other people, things will get better.
The death of a loved one is a huge loss that can cause so much pain that even your own life seems to have stopped. You can get over the loss of a loved one, even if at the time of the greatest grief you do not need to know how and when.
Grief is pain that, despite being sharp, is worth trying to accept. It’s important to give yourself permission to grieve and make it visible. Even though grief does not have a timetable, it will become easier over time.
The death of a loved one does not mean giving up a loved one, but building a new relationship with them – they are still part of your life, in memories.
Everyone grieves in their own way – you are still allowed to need the support of others
There is no one right way or time to mourn, and no third party can advise on grieving. However, it’s good to talk about the loss with your loved ones. If talking is difficult, emotions and thoughts can also be expressed through exercise, activities or art.
Support is also available from people who have survived losses. Their stories gives us faith that you can learn to live with grief.
Even if the grief continues to be overwhelming for a long time, you will survive. Losing a someone dear leaves behind the longing, but the pain will be relieved and the joy of life will return at some point, gradually.
A child always needs the safety and support of adults in dealing with death. Half of the parents who lose their child suffer so severely that they need trauma therapeutic help.
Grief may also have a cognitive effect, in which case, for example, concentration and memory may be affected and bodily feelings may be different. However, both cognitive and bodily effects will ease as grief begins to ease.
Grief is not a disease, but sometimes grief can lead to illness. If the pain, incapacity or insomnia caused by grief persists for a long time and there is no room for light between the moments, it’s good to contact a health care professional. Symptoms of a mental illness may temporarily worsen with the death of a loved one. In this case, it’s important to contact a care provider and consider the need for additional support together.
