When you experience the death of
a loved one, the grief can be complicated. Everyone experiences grief
differently, and mourning is rarely a straightforward process. Immediately
after a loss, families are inundated with offers of help and support, but once
the initial rush dies down, that support can dwindle. Unfortunately, grief does
not go away after the funeral is over. If you have lost a loved one, you will
likely need support and care far after the last condolence card has been sent.
Grief is not a path that is easily walked alone. People who
are grieving need support for emotional and practical needs, as well as help
navigating this new world without their loved one in it. If you have suffered
the loss of an important person in your life, you may experience both physical
and emotional symptoms of that grief. It manifests in a variety of ways for
different people, but some common symptoms include heart palpitations,
headaches, digestive issues, body pain, anger, bitterness, loss of joy,
confusion, apathy, anxiety, irritability, and fear. Some people even feel a
sense of betrayal. All of this is perfectly normal, and there is no time limit
on grief, but you will likely need some support to get to the other side of it.
Where will you get
the support you need? Help can come from a variety of sources.
After a death has
occurred, people do not really know what to do. They often say vague things
about wanting to help, and they mean it, they just do not know which actions to
take. Help them help you, by accepting their kind offers and letting them know
what you need. You may just need someone to check in with you every few days,
or meet you for coffee and a chat. Alternatively, you may need help with
practical matters, like grocery shopping, childcare, or chores. As you are
moving through the grieving process, let your friends and family support you in
these ways.
Grief can feel
isolating, and isolation is not what you need when you are trying to recover
from a loss. Do the things you enjoy doing, whether that means learning a new
hobby, attending church services, or volunteering. Being connected to other
people can help lessen your grief.
Sometimes, grief is
not something you can get through on your own, and that is fine. Bereavement
counsellors are trained to help people who have suffered a loss. You might also
benefit from a support group, where you can talk to others who have been through
similar situations, bonding over a shared grief.
Be gentle with
yourself as you grieve. Take the grief one day at a time, and do not try to
rush yourself through it. Pay attention to what your body needs, and maintain
your health by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a
nutritious diet. Take time for yourself, to do the things you like doing and to
relax and destress. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor.
When you suffer a
loss, Bridgwater Funeral Services wants to be there to support you and help you
through your grief journey. We have been helping families navigate their grief
for many years, providing personalised funeral services and a team who really
cares and wants to help you on your journey. Founded in 2002 by Nigel Gillard,
Bridgwater Funeral Services
Limited, in the centre of Bridgwater, Somerset, is a family business that
provides personal service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Traditions both old
and modern are honoured here, with Green and Woodland burials, horse-drawn
funerals, military funerals, and services in all religious denominations as
well as non-religious and humanist life celebrations. We also offer low-cost
funerals and Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans. If you have need help
dealing with grief, or want to more learn about
self-care
after a loss,
contact us
through our website for information and resources.
