Benjamin Franklin is often quoted as saying, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” It’s a sobering thought, but it’s true. Death is a constant of life. As we get older, our loved ones may pass away, and grief is a complicated and heartrending thing to cope with.
Getting rid of grief isn’t possible, but there are things you can do to work through your grief and make it so you and your family can carry on in life.
Taking Time to Grieve
One of the most important things anyone needs to properly process grief is time. Some people find that keeping busy helps them keep their mind off things, but this can also be dangerous and may lead to burnout if you’re coping with too many stressful situations at once.
Depending on where you live and your employer, you may be entitled to bereavement or compassionate leave from work, which can help you get your affairs in order and deal with your grief without having to work on top of everything.
You may also need time to explain to your children what has happened to their loved one. Children are often more resilient than we realize, but it’s still important that they understand what death is, especially if they’re young.
Arranging the Funeral
If you’re the next of kin, you are likely responsible for arranging the funeral. In an ideal world, you and your loved one will have already discussed their wishes, or they may have explained their wishes in their will. The funeral costs may also be covered by a life insurance policy or money put aside in the will; otherwise, you will be responsible for them.
Even in an ideal world, dealing with the funeral arrangements can be stressful when you’re already grieving. A funeral is a good way for loved ones to say goodbye and process a death, but it doesn’t make it easier on the person having to make the arrangements.
Most funeral directors and industries understand this, so they can help simplify things for you with services like direct cremations, so the wishes of your loved one are respected without any added or needless stress on their family.
Counselling and Therapy
Even after the funeral and once you have to get back to work and the rest of your life, the grief doesn’t go away. It can take months, years, or even decades for the grief to fade, and some people never really get past it.
This is a sign that your loved one left an indelible mark on those around them, but it can make life difficult to deal with. If you find that your grief is unbearable or makes it hard to cope with everyday life, it might be beneficial to seek counseling or therapy. Mental health care can do a lot to help people suffering from grief and trauma process their feelings.
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