Deaths that result from a prolonged illness are often painful, but they allow loved ones to prepare for it, making coping with the loss much easier. But illness is not the only cause of death.
When one loses a loved one in the most unexpected way, dealing with such a loss can get the best of the strongest person. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your grieving period relatively bearable.
Here are several tips to help you cope with grief:
Handle insurance the right way
The beneficiaries of persons who suffer sudden deaths also have to deal with the prospects of leaving without a breadwinner, which can completely alter their lives. While nothing can fill the void left by the loved one, knowing they had insurance coverage such as accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance can offer some form of relief.
AD&D often comes as a rider to an existing medical or life cover. In the event of death that is not intended (accidental death), the beneficiaries receive a lump sum payment from the insurance company, which can help the transition between having a breadwinner and not having one much more manageable.
Handling insurance can be a hustle which is the last thing you want when grieving. So it might be a good idea to involve a lawyer.
Grief with others
When grieving a loved one, you may feel tempted to separate yourself from other people fearing no one will understand your pain. Unfortunately, grieving alone can only make you lonelier, making the pain worse.
The whole world may not understand you, but your inner circle of friends and family definitely will. Talking to them and letting them know how you feel can be a great way of depressurizing.
They do not have to offer much help, but being able to share, talk, and spend time with others can help you begin your journey of healing by enjoying the company of the people you still have in your life.
Join a support group
There is almost a support group for everything you can think of. Support groups bring together people that share a common life challenge, such as grief.
The best thing about support groups is that they have members at different grief stages. These include those in the very initial phases of their grieving process to those who are past grieving.
Meeting people who have gone through your pain can help you feel you are not alone while learning from those that have moved on.
Understand that grieving is part of the healing process
When the pain gets too much or lasts longer than you thought it would, there is the temptation to act tough and put on an ‘it’s alright’ face. But suppressing your feelings will not help. It only worsens your problems and puts you at the risk of developing long-lasting psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.
Therefore give yourself time to grieve. Even when others in a similar situation seem to have moved on, understand that everyone grieves differently, and you do not have to be like them.
Seek professional help
Speaking with friends, seeking help from support groups, and taking your time may not always help. If you feel like your grief leads to complications such as extended stress, anxiety, and depression, you may consider talking to a professional counselor.
Most people associate seeing a professional counselor with a sign of weakness, but it isn’t. It is about taking back control of your life. A professional counselor may also offer you more ideas on how to cope. They might also recommend you to a psychiatrist if you need medication to help with your symptoms.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Herfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
