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Coping with loss
There is no right or wrong way to deal with loss, everyone heals at their own pace
When somebody close to you passes away, you go through a normal healing process called grieving. This is your body’s natural response to the loss of a loved one. Grief allows you to prepare emotionally for the journey ahead and at times, to experience your pain in stages.
Grief may not only come with the loss of a loved one—patients and their families can experience grief throughout the stages of the person’s illness, such as when they lose independence or become less active.
It is important to remember that everyone is different and will heal at a different pace. Sharing your feelings with others will help you to overcome your feelings and access support from those close to you.
Most people find that over time, their feelings become less intense. Do not be afraid to talk about your loved one with your friends and family, discussing memories and feelings can help you during the grieving process.
Symptoms of grief1
People express grief in different ways. However, there are symptoms of grief which most people express, at different points through their journey.
Some common symptoms of grief include:
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Crying
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Sadness
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Feeling weak or fatigued
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Lacking energy or feeling exhausted
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Loss of appetite
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Eating too much
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Trouble sleeping
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Feeling aches and pains
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Self-destructive activities
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Being overly active
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Pushing emotions away
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Social isolation
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Spiritual questioning
The grieving process
The process of grieving is a very individual and personal time and may last for a while. However, it won’t always be so intense. The reality of your loss may not set in right away, it may come in different stages.
Milestones may be emotional and be especially difficult to cope with, such as birthdays and special occasions. You may experience a range of difficult emotions, and struggle physically, socially, or spiritually. These are normal reactions and a natural response to loss. It is always important to remember that time will help to lessen the intensity of your feelings, and often the first milestone is the hardest.
Llegará a un punto en el que pueda comenzar a aceptar la situación y continuar viviendo su vida.
No sucederá de inmediato, pero comenzará a sentirse mejor a medida que el tiempo avance.
Honre la memoria de su ser querido llevando adelante y viviendo la vida al máximo.
Encuentre maneras de recordar: llegará un momento en el que pueda que pueda rememorar momentos reconfortantes de manera positiva y sana.
Si bien no hay una manera correcta o incorrecta de hacer el duelo, hay algunas sugerencias que podrían ayudarlo a afrontar el dolor:
Dese tiempo para hacer el duelo y asimilar su pérdida.
Evite ignorar sus sentimientos.
Estos son una parte importante para poder superar el dolor.
Llorar puede brindar alivio.
No tenga miedo de llorar; es importante que exprese sus emociones.
Trate de llevar una dieta saludable y tómese tiempo para descansar.
La pérdida de un ser querido puede tener un gran impacto en su mente y su cuerpo.
El descanso y una dieta saludable lo ayudarán a recuperar el bienestar físico y mental.
Evite desarrollar hábitos que puedan ser perjudiciales para su sanación.
Limite la ingesta de alcohol. No se automedique. No recurra a calmantes, comprimidos para dormir y otros medicamentos que cambian el estado de ánimo. Si lo considera necesario, consulte a un profesional
Muchas personas se sienten cómodas al compartir sus sentimientos abiertamente o escribir cómo se sienten.
Hable con sus amigos y familiares.
Las personas más cercanas a usted están allí para ayudar.
Hable con un profesional de la salud.
Estará allí para ayudarle a controlar su bienestar físico y mental.
El asesoramiento sobre el duelo puede ayudar a las personas que tienen dificultades para lidiar con el dolor.
Busque ayuda profesional.
Un profesional de la salud podrá remitirlo a especialistas que pueden ayudarlo a lidiar con el duelo.
Most people will begin to overcome grief in their own time. However, if you are struggling for a long time and feel like things are not going to get better, speak to your healthcare professional. They will be able to direct you towards resources which can help.
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Try to remind yourself of the things, people and memories you still have in your life that are good and meaningful. Taking stock of the various parts of your life that you can feel truly grateful for can help you refocus your mind on what you have, rather than dwelling on what you have lost
Finding support
If you are struggling, some hospices offer bereavement services, and local charities often have support lines and groups available to help you through the grieving process. For example, Cruse (UK), GriefLine (Australia) and Mental Health America (USA) can offer support to people who are grieving for the loss of a loved one.
Your wellbeing
Many people who have lost a loved one find speaking to others in a carer support group setting helpful when coping with their loss. These carer support groups offer an opportunity to share feelings and experiences, so you do not go through the grieving process alone.
Carer support group
Key takeaways
Everyone will react differently to losing someone. Some people will take more or less time to heal than others
There is no right or wrong way to deal with grief. Give yourself time and speak to others about how you are feeling
Carer support groups, healthcare professionals, family, and friends can all help you through this time
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Coping with Grief and Loss. HelpGuide.org. Available from: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm/ [Accessed March 2022].
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Caring for yourself
Caring for someone
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