After the loss of a loved one, being sudden or expected, it is a time of great loss and you will react in your own way
As you move through the process in the months ahead you can expect a roller coaster of experineces including:
- Shock or Numbness
- Pining or yearning
- Emotional upheaval
- Anger
- Loneliness
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Physical Sensations
- Spiritual Reactions
The time ahead after a death is a difficult time and it is important to take care of yourself though you may not feel up to it
The following are some suggestions that may help:
- Stay in touch with your family physician for the grief process is hard on the body.
- Try to avoid any major changes in the first yea
- Keep up with regular exercise to get fresh air and increase your energy
- Maintain good nutrition and regular meal patterns, eat even if you don't feel hungry. Your body and mind need the nutrition to cope.
- Get regular sleep and keep your regular sleep pattern. Sleeping with a memento of the person can be soothing
- Journal your feelings. Writing allows you to put feelings into words
- Treasure the good and peacful moments you have. Remember the good times and the bad
- Focus on the people who love you and need your love
- Joining a support group for people with similar losses can help you to feel less alone