"Overcoming Loss: Strategies for Moving Forward"

I am no expert at this but I can say that having experienced it myself and knowing friends and family who have, it can be very difficult for some to cope. How does one feel when they lose a loved one? What a weird question, some may be thinking. Well, of course they feel pain, what else would they feel? How do we comfort someone who has lost a loved one?

Loss brings pain (obviously), but what other emotions are we going thru?

a) Shock is a natural response to traumatic events such as the death of a loved one. It is an emotional response to the sudden realization of the loss. Shock can manifest as physical symptoms such as feeling numb and having difficulty concentrating, as well as more psychological symptoms such as denial, disbelief, and disorientation.

b) Sadness is a natural response to the death of a loved one. It is a sign of our attachment and love for them. Sadness can manifest as many different emotions such as grief, despair, loneliness, and emptiness. Sadness can also be accompanied by physical symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

C) Anger is a result of feeling powerless and frustrated by the situation. Anger can manifest as feelings of rage, resentment, and frustration.

d) Guilt is a feeling of responsibility for the death or for not having done enough to prevent it. Guilt can be a sign of our love for the person and our desire to keep them safe.

e) Relief may arise from feeling that the person’s suffering is finally over, or from the feeling of being freed from the burden of caring for them.

All of these are valid emotions. The important thing here is to allow yourself time in the grieving process. The grieving process is different for everyone and there is no set timeline for how long it takes to cope with a loss. It is important to allow yourself to feel and express the emotions associated with the loss, and to be patient with yourself as you work through it. It may take time to find a new normal, but eventually you will be able to move forward with your life. Remember...TAKE YOUR TIME!

HOW TO COMFORT SOMEONE WHO HAS LOST A LOVED ONE?

This is one thing I struggle with all the time. I never know what to say to someone who has lost a loved one. I think this may be because when I lost someone very close to me I became angry, lost, sad etc...There was nothing anyone could say that would comfort me, and this may be why I can't seem to find the words myself to comfort them also. I know how they feel and saying things like " It takes time, time heals all wounds". Well, for some it never heals that wound. Its gets easier to cope with time but that wound is still there. What I found comforting the most was having someone to just sit with me while I reminisced about the moments I shared with my deceased loved one.

I was carrying a guilt for the longest time. The pain was intense that I never returned to where his body was laid to rest. My current spouse who learned of my loss made me realize how important it was to return to where my loved one lay, and let go of that guilt. Seventeen years later I stood where he lay and had my moment. As my current spouse stood there holding my hand. R.I.P Mario

Let's remember that when comforting someone who has gone through a loss, it is important to be a compassionate listener and to respect their feelings. No matter how long it's been , its a wound that even though healed, the scar still remains. Offer simple words of support and understanding, and let them know that you are there for them.

Thanks to my spouse who is a Reiki Master, he has a way of comforting those who have lost a loved one. Thank you Max for all that you have done and continue to do for me. You are my rock! Need a reiki session? Give us a call and let us help you cope.