Death Loss And Bereavement

Most of you will lose someone to death during your lifetime. How do you make it through this and how to you help others to manage their own tragedies? Having recently known two friends who have lost loved ones, I can help you to understand what is happening and how you can handle it all.

Your friends are so sad over the deaths of others.....just as you have been, or will be, in the same circumstance. They are feeling helplessly down, angry and withdrawn. How seriously people suffer depends on their history of depression and their memories of loved ones. Their cultural rituals also play a large part in their grieving. Different ethic and religious groups have patterns related to the deaths of others. Many of these practices can provide a sense of predictability and strength to mourners. Respect and encourage these sacraments.

Do keep in mind the painful loss of things that may not necessarily be close people. They are losses, nevertheless, and can cause as much agony as the loss of a person. The loss of a pet, for example, can also be a dramatic experience. The loss of a job or the loss of an adopted parent or child will feel intolerable - as will losing a pregnancy. That pregnancy-related loss is devastating and can be complicated with a sense of guilt or shame. The same reactions also apply to the death of co-workers.

It is important to recognize all of the above overwhelming losses. Denial of their seriousness will make grief even more severe. Social and community support are vital and help others with what we call "closure." There is, actually, no such thing as "closure" in so many cases. A serious loss leaves a hole in one's heart that never heals. It may become more tolerable, but, it never disappears.

Therapy helps with losses of all kinds. It can help others to explore and express their feelings and memories. People should never have to experience grievous pain alone because of what will be felt mentally, physically and spiritually.

An additional word of advice: Never say something like, "If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know." That is equivalent to stating, "Please don'r call me." You can make some good guesses about what will help. What might assist you in the same situation? Just figure it out and do it.....now, next week and later again. Just do it.

Treat others as you would long to be treated if you were the one who is heartbroken. When you have more concerns, just call me. I will help.

Please Feel Free To Contact my Office Anytime

Our Location

Serving Athens, Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, and surrounding areas

Hours of Operation

Find Out When We Are Open

Monday:

Open 24 hours

Tuesday:

Open 24 hours

Wednesday:

Open 24 hours

Thursday:

Open 24 hours

Friday:

Open 24 hours

Saturday:

Open 24 hours

Sunday:

Open 24 hours