Jill Kolodner | June 30, 2023 | Wrongful Death
Suffering the loss of a loved one is always painful, whether you know their death is coming or not. But unexpected deaths can hit you like a train, leaving you in a state of shock and disorientation. You may feel lost in the days after their passing, unsure how you’ll ever find emotional healing.
There are a few things you can do to make the healing process a little easier to navigate in the weeks after your loved one’s loss. Read on to get a step-by-step guide to coping after the death of a loved one.
The Stages of Grief
When you’re going through the grieving process, there are several common stages you may experience. Being familiar with these stages can help you understand what you may be feeling and know what may come next.
Many people experience the following stages of grief:
- Denial – You can’t believe your loved one is really gone and feel that, somehow, it’s all been a big mistake and they’ll turn out not to be dead after all.
- Anger – You may be angry at the world, a deity, the person responsible for your loved one’s death, yourself, or even your lost loved one for the pain you’re feeling.
- Bargaining – You may try to strike a bargain with a deity, the universe, or yourself that would allow your loved one to come back or you to not hurt so much.
- Depression – Your loss may feel overwhelming, and you may feel like you can never be happy again without your loved one.
- Acceptance – You come to accept that your loved one is gone and, while you will always miss them, you can move forward in your life.
Not everyone experiences all the stages of grief, and it’s important to remember that grief is not linear. You may feel more in the bargaining stage one day and then slide back into anger the next day. Give yourself permission to grieve and grace and space to heal during this time.
Reach Out for Support
Grief can make you feel like you’re alone in the world, and many people feel like they have to hide their emotions and stay strong. But getting support during this time is one of the best things you can do.
Reach out to the people you love and trust and talk to them about what you’re feeling. If there are things you’re struggling with, such as keeping your house clean or cooking nutritious meals, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being open and vulnerable about what you’re feeling can get you the support you need most during this difficult time.
Practice Self-Care
Getting care from other people during the grieving process can be incredibly helpful, but practicing self-care can be just as valuable. In addition to giving yourself permission to grieve, show yourself a little extra grace and kindness during this time.
In some cases, self-care can mean doing things that relax you, allowing yourself to enjoy treats, and taking time to rest. Other times, self-care may mean forcing yourself to get dressed, brush your teeth, and get out of the house. Do what you can to care for your body, and listen to your needs as they arise.
Express Yourself
Losing a loved one can leave you with a lot of complicated emotions that can be hard to process. In addition to the sadness of losing that person, you may feel guilt, anger, confusion, and more. Finding creative ways to express those emotions can help you work through them and let them go.
Some people choose to journal or write poetry as a way of understanding and expressing their grief. Others prefer to paint, sculpt, or use some other form of visual art to process those emotions. Find a creative outlet that allows you to express what you may be feeling during the grieving process.
Consider Therapy
One of the best things you can do as you’re navigating the grieving process is to seek help from someone with expertise in the subject. Therapy can help you better understand and process the things you may be feeling during this loss. It can also give you healthier coping mechanisms that will make your journey to recovery smoother.
Seek out a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist who can help you navigate the grieving process. Some counselors even specialize in helping people to work through their grief after a loss. If finances are a concern with seeking therapy, you can also reach out to a religious leader or a community support group.
Get Justice for Your Loved One
Losing a loved one is always challenging, but an unexpected death can feel overwhelming and unbearable. During the grieving process, don’t be afraid to ask for support, and show yourself a little extra kindness. Finding creative outlets to express your feelings and getting help from a mental health professional can also help you find a smoother path to emotional healing.
If your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys will fight for justice in your loved one’s case. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss the details of your wrongful death case.
Contact the Baltimore Wrongful Death Lawyer Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore wrongful death law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080
