All bereavement is different and when someone loses a loved one they can deal with grief in many different ways. Not every way of dealing with grief is healthy, look out for these 5 observations to help the grieving process for your friend or family member experiencing a loss.
- Believing they will ‘get over it’.
The person in mourning should take time to process their loss. It is observed that grieving leads people to push it to the back of their mind or neglect to address their bereavement. This will only lead to a longer grieving process.
A person who has suffered a loss will never forget, or replace their loved one, but if they address the loss and surround themselves with people to talk to they will reconcile their grief and realise that their life can and will move on.
- Not talking openly about their loss.
An important part of mourning is talking to people. Talking has been observed to help process grief. Keeping a list of friends on speed dial, for a quick chat or to come and keep you company will encourage the mourner to talk more openly.
When a person in mourning feels uncomfortable talking to friends about their loss, suggest talking to a councillor or bereavement support group. Having time alone to come to terms with your loss is helpful towards reconciling their grief, but it is equally important to have time to talk.
- Holding back emotions during grieving.
It is common that people in mourning to suppress their grief, and unresolved grief can lead to health problems such as depression and anxiety. Crying relieves the central nervous system of tension; so taking a moment to let out emotion will help the person in mourning deal with their grief internally.
- Staying Isolated during the grieving process.
While people mourn, it has been observed that they can isolate themselves inside. This will leave the people in mourning feeling lonely and prolong the grieving process for them. Taking some time to think about the needs of the person in mourning and what they need is perfectly OK. Getting some fresh air and doing something for themselves will bring some normality back into their life.
- Planning ahead helps the long-term grief.
Planning ahead has been found to help build up confidence in getting out and seeing people.
Planning ahead for milestone events has also been observed to help prepare the person who has suffered a loss for their own grief. Anticipating birthdays, anniversaries and holidays and planning in advance a way to commemorate your loved one, it to the specific moment set aside for mourning.
