We thank you for continuing to follow our series, “Hope during the Holidays: Coping with the Grief of a Life Lost”. This is the third installment of this series. To date, you have learned that we understand the challenges associated with losing a loved one near or during the holidays. You have been informed that your world has changed and that you have no control over that; however, you do have control over how you respond to that loss which you have experienced. Then, you learned that you should allow yourself to feel what it is that you feel. We even expounded on the most common feelings experienced when faced with the loss of a loved one. This week, we will expound on dealing with the loss, despite the painful emotions experienced.

Facing the Loss Head-On

Now that you know that you will feel and that you should allow yourself to feel, it is important to understand that facing the loss head-on will prove to be very painful. As the reality of the loss starts to really hit you and that shocking numbness wears off, you will experience what many professionals refer to as “confrontation”; that is, the feelings will be intense and gut-wrenching. You are likely to suffer from immense waves of devastating distress. You are likely to experience a multitude of complications. Your mind will be flooding with thoughts, memories, and even guilt pertaining to the recently deceased. In addition to this, you may experience any or all of the following:

• You may find yourself withdrawing on a social level.
• It may be difficult to concentrate on anything other than the grief that you are feeling.
• It is common to experience anxiety and high levels of restlessness.
• You may lack an appetite.
• You may look and feel extremely sad.
• You could dream of the person that has died. Many experience such an intense amount of grief that they will actually have visible and/or audible hallucinations of the person that has passed away.
• You may lack the motivation and enthusiasm for which you are known.
• You may experience issues falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
• You may blame yourself for the death.
• You may feel angry with others or the deceased.
• You may experience bouts of loneliness.

Emotional Support

At this stage in your grief, it is important that you seek emotional support. You may talk to friends, family members, neighbors, your doctor, or another person that you trust. Not only will this emotional support help you cope with the acceptance of the loss, but, it will help you recover from the devastation that you are currently experiencing. By this point, you are realizing the detrimental impact of the loss on your life and your emotions. 

Next week, we will expound on methods that you may use to get through this incredibly difficult time. Until then, you may want to consider memorializing your loved one. If so, simply click HERE.