Coping With the Loss of a Loved One

Coming to Terms With Death

"The news of my father's death left me in a state of shock and despair. I was overwhelmed by guilt because I hadn't been at his side when he died. Nothing can compare to the deep pain from the loss of a loved one. I miss my dad so much!" -Sara.

DEATH is awkward for most people to discuss, regardless of their culture or religion.  Some languages provide a number of  euphemisms to ease the discomfort.  In English, instead of  saying that someone "died," people will say that he or she "passed away," "departed,"or "is no longer with us." 

Yet, even the gentlest of terms can do little to soften the intense sadness that is often felt by those who have a loved one. For some, grief is so heavy that they simply cannot accept the reality of what has happened. 

If you have lost a loved one in death, you too may find yourself struggling to come to terms with your loss. Perhaps you even pretend you are doing well, when inside you know otherwise. Of course, not everyone grieves in the same way, so if you do not outwardly  display your sorrow, that does not mean that you are suppressing your feelings. Problems, however, can arise if you feel obliged to put on a front for others-perhaps family members who are themselves grieving.

Next time: Coping With the Loss of a Loved One - "No time for Me to Grieve"

From The AWAKE! magazine, 2011