FAQ:
Coping
with Grief and Bereavement.
DEATH AND BEREAVEMENT
FAQ by Carolyn Cartwright AKA T+Hemen
Q.
How do I cope with Grief and Bereavement?
Knowing how you
should prepare for the loss of a loved one, or perhaps more
importantly knowing how you should feel, is one of life's
most challenging situations.
Many people describe
the experience as being in a state of limbo or time suspension;
waiting for someone to leave them physically without knowing
the specific date, but knowing it could happen at any moment
leaves us with a sense of just waiting and a feeling of powerlessness
over the situation. One of the most out of our control experiences
perhaps that we will ever face.
As well as the
natural desire to make this waiting period as comfortable,
loving and stable as possible for the person whom is to make
their transition from this physical world, there is often
the pressure of supporting other family members, friends and
loved ones at the same time; giving little breathing space
for our own emotions to be considered and worked through.
For many the phase
prior to a loved ones imminent passing is indeed akin to the
phases of loss, grief and bereavement; it is like entering
the loss prior to it's occurrence and for some it helps to
consider aspects of the grieving process as they wait for
the moment of loss to be upon them.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
MD an eminent grief and bereavement specialist and psychiatrist
believes that there are 5 phases to the grieving process :
Denial - it's not
happening
Anger - why is it happening it is so unfair
Bargaining - take me instead
Depression - feelings of guilt, no purpose to one's own life
Acceptance - realisation that your own life can and does go
on, coping positively with feelings
Back
to
PSYCHIC ADVICE
Coping with Grief and Bereavement |
Those phases do
not necessarily run in a time line and it may be that a person
travels back and forward through phases 1 to 4 as they need
to before being able to reach acceptance.
Anticipating grief
puts a person into those phases also, as they are already,
in a way, experiencing the loss; it is like grieving early.
The recognition of that fact may be something that helps.
It is very important
to be able to work through all the emotions that are being
felt and to seek appropriate support and help.
One of the most
common concerns that many people have, either when someone
has passed on or is terminally ill, is whether or not that
person will be ok after physical death. How we feel about
this is of course based purely on our own belief systems and
indeed those of the person who is in the last stages of their
physical life.
Feelings of regret
are often felt following a passing that perhaps can be minimised
or begin to heal prior to their death if we have the opportunity.
Life is indeed too short and taking the courage to make whatever
amends one may feel are necessary with the person who is soon
to pass may help to bring the bond of love closer at a time
of great emotional distress.
Help with Coping Bereavement is available on our Forums
www.elisabethkublerross.com
www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
BEREAVEMENT
FAQ BY:Carolyn Cartwright
T+Hemen
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