| The grief surrounding the death of a family member | | | | cry, it does not mean that you are not grieving |
| or loved one is one of the most difficult experiences | | | | either. Often when we lose a loved one we cry, |
| for anyone to go through. It seems sometimes, that | | | | however it should be noted that there are many |
| the sadness will never lift and gladness fill your life | | | | different ways in which you may express your grief. |
| again. These are normal reactions to the loss of a | | | | Those who do not cry during the death of a loved |
| loved one and one should remember that in the | | | | one are not insensitive or unloving, they simply have |
| process of grieving these overwhelming and | | | | other ways of expressing their grief. |
| frightening feelings of loss are to be expected. While | | | | Bereavement coping is different for everyone and |
| there is no one perfect way to grieve, there are | | | | may include the five well documented stages of |
| ways to express your loss in ways that are more | | | | denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. |
| healthy for you. Everyone grieves in a different | | | | Know that you may experience any or all of these |
| manner and bereavement coping is tool that is very | | | | steps and that is normal. It is also natural for you to |
| important during the process. | | | | not experience these emotions in this particular order. |
| Grieving is a very personalized experience and there | | | | Of course it is possible to cope with your loss |
| is no specific timetable on how long it will last in your | | | | without experiencing any of these stages of grief. It |
| life. It takes time and will occur gradually. There will | | | | is a very individualized process and is not the same |
| be days in the beginning where you will think about | | | | for everyone. |
| your loved one almost all of the time. Eventually this | | | | Grief can sometimes be described as a roller coaster |
| will no longer be the case and you will be able to | | | | ride. It is rougher and harder at the very beginning. It |
| focus on other things for longer periods without | | | | comes complete with ups and downs, highs and lows. |
| being consumed with thoughts of your loss. While a | | | | Sometimes these lows will last longer and be more |
| friend may have gotten over her grief in a matter of | | | | intense than others. The hard times will grow less |
| weeks or months, yours could be a longer process | | | | difficult to manage as the "ride" goes on and in the |
| and last years. | | | | end, you will have slow smoother ride into the |
| It is important to remember that trying to avoid your | | | | station. Lean on your friends and family for support |
| grief will only draw out the process. Ignoring your | | | | during these painful time and, when necessary, look |
| feelings will not make them disappear but will in fact | | | | to them for mutual support. If you are religious, turn |
| make the grieving process more drawn out. Taking | | | | to your faith to help you in coping with your loss. If |
| steps in bereavement coping is essential to a healthy | | | | you need extra help, join a support group. Most |
| healing process. One thing to remember is that crying | | | | importantly, take care of yourself as you are grieving. |
| does not make you weak. However, if you do not | | | | Eat, sleep and exercise to keep your body strong. |