There are many things in life that we must face that are difficult. The end of a relationship, getting let go from a job, and even seemingly happy occasions, like moving or getting married, can cause a lot of stress. However, nothing creates quite the same reaction as the loss of a loved one.
If you’re dealing with the passing of someone close to you, it is important not to go through it alone. There are many different types of social support, and many different kinds of people who can provide you with that support through a bad time.
Attorney
Some of the people on this list probably aren’t going to be surprising, but seeing an attorney on this list might be. Although they aren’t traditionally associated with providing people with mental health support, they have the potential to ease your mind and provide you with important support in some situations.
For example, if your loved one dies in a car accident, it might be the case that it wasn’t your loved one’s fault. Whoever caused the accident deserves to be held accountable, and you deserve to recover funds to help you with your loved one’s final expenses.
Not only can an attorney support you legally, just having another person there to listen to your story can be immensely healing. If your loved one died in an accident that wasn’t their fault, it’s definitely worth your time to seek the aid of an attorney.
Therapist
Anyone can benefit from seeing a therapist, but it is especially important if you’re struggling in life. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a therapist as soon as your loved one passes so they can help you work through your feelings in a healthy way.
There are a few different kinds of therapists that can be helpful. You may want to see a psychologist if you’re looking to benefit from certain therapies that require training and certification, while group counselling can connect you with others who are struggling. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, should you need it, while a life coach helps you process your loss and use it to get what you want out of life.
Family
Family support is extremely important. Family is there for you in good times, but they can provide you with a wonderful support system during bad times as well. Communicating with family can be especially helpful if it was a family member who passed, as they may have personal stories and advice to share about the loved one who has passed.
Don’t feel like you can’t reach out if you haven’t talked to a family member in a while. Many families get distant as time goes by, but most are pleasantly surprised when they hear from someone they haven’t heard from in a while, which makes reconnecting relatively easy.
Friends
Not everyone has a family they can fall back on in tough times. If you don’t have any family members to turn to, or if you only have one or two family members and need more support, you should definitely turn to friends.
Close friendships are important for many different reasons, but they can be especially important when you lose a loved one. We are often willing to say things to our friends that we may not be comfortable saying to our family and even our therapist.
That doesn’t mean you have to talk about your loss with all of your friends if it makes you uncomfortable. Ask one or two of your closest friends if they would be willing to talk to you about the loved one you have lost.
Online community
Getting help from friends, family, and others who are close to you can be very helpful, but it can also be frustrating. If they didn’t know the person you lost, or if they haven’t experienced a serious loss as you have, you may find that they can’t provide you with the kind of support you’re looking for.
Online communities can be very helpful when you have experienced a loss because many communities are made up of people who are grieving in the same ways that you are. Join a group on social media, contribute to messaging threads on loss, and reach out to others online who have experienced a similar loss to yours and you’ll receive an outpouring of support.
Neighbours
A lot of people come home at the end of the day and walk straight into the house without connecting with neighbours, but this can be a mistake. There are many reasons why you should consider getting to know your neighbors, one of which is the fact that they can help you through a hard time.
You may not want to go into detail about what you’re experiencing with your neighbours, but if they know you’re going through a hard time, there are things they may be willing to help you with while you’re struggling. For example, they may be willing to:
- Bring your meals
- Mow your lawn
- Take out your garbage
- Watch your kids
People associated with your loved one
Some of the best people you can reach out to after your loved one dies are the people your loved one spent the most time with at the end of their lives. That might mean connecting with a spouse, a friend, or a family member that provided care during their final days.
Medical and service professionals can also provide you with the opportunity to heal. Reach out to in-home care providers, babysitters, and even house cleaners. They may be able to share stories of kindness that bring a smile to your face during a tough time.
Losing a loved one can change your life. If you find the support you need, it has the potential to change your life in positive ways. From attorneys to therapists, family, and friends, there are many people in your life who can provide you with love and support when you need it most.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
