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Grieving the loss of a parent can be incredibly painful for many reasons.
It’s a profound and life-changing event that can leave us feeling broken, lost, and overwhelmed.
Parents are often seen as a source of comfort, love, and guidance. So when we lose them, it can feel like we are losing a part of ourselves.
The pain and grief we experience are so complex that we often don’t understand how we respond.
Guilt, regret, and unresolved issues often surface. And it makes us resentful even to ourselves.
So today, we will be talking about grief and how grieving can change us.
Losing a loved one is difficult, and we all experience grief differently. Some find it more challenging compared to others.
Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross developed the five stages of grief to understand how we cope during loss.
She noticed that people dying often went through a series of emotions, which she grouped into five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
These stages help people understand the feelings they may experience after a big loss or trauma.
Some people feel numb or like what's happening isn't real in the denial stage.
In the second stage, anger, people may lash out at others or blame the situation for their loss.
During bargaining, the third stage, they may try to negotiate with a higher power or make deals to reverse what has occurred.
Depression often follows, which involves feeling deeply sad and hopeless and withdrawing from social interactions as they face their loss.
Finally, in the acceptance stage, individuals recognize the finality of their loss and begin moving forward while still honoring their loved one's memory.
It is important to note that these stages don't necessarily follow a strict order or timeline.
Everyone's grief process is unique, and it can be helpful to have support from loved ones or a professional to navigate difficult emotions.
By understanding the five stages of grief, we can begin to accept our feelings and take steps toward healing and closure.
Grief can impact physical health and trigger other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
It can also have a significant impact on relationships, especially for those who are left behind.
But when is the right time to ask for professional help?
While people deal with death and loss differently, seeking help is important when it interferes with your daily life.
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions before and after death. But there are certain symptoms you can see and feel that should be taken seriously.
Here are some symptoms to look out for:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if your grief is impacting your ability to function normally, it may be time to seek professional help.
A mental health professional can provide you with support, guidance, and resources to manage your grief and begin to heal.
They can also diagnose any underlying mental health conditions and provide appropriate treatment.
Remember, seeking help when grieving is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in asking for support during this difficult time.
End-of-life preparations are important to ensure that your loved one’s wishes are respected and carried out after they pass away.
By preparing for the end of life, you can ensure that your loved ones know what to do and your preferences.
These can range from funeral arrangements to the distribution of assets and other important matters.
It can also help alleviate some of the stress and confusion that can arise when a loved one passes away unexpectedly.
End-of-life preparations can give you peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your loved ones will have an easier time dealing with the aftermath of your death.
Bereavement Navigators is a company that helps people prepare for and navigate through loss.
Led by Ronnie Genser, Bereavement Navigators can help you create plans and put things in order before and after your loved one’s death.
Losing a loved one is never easy. But it's especially difficult when you're responsible for organizing countless tasks, assets, and resources.
Ronnie had to navigate this overwhelming process while grieving the loss of her partner.
Despite these challenges, she found valuable insights that now guide her work in Bereavement Navigators.
Her goal is to ensure that others who have lost a loved one don't have to endure the same stress and anxiety that she did.
Using her extensive experience in sales, marketing, training, and consulting, Ronnie provides compassionate support to families and caregivers during this difficult time.
She believes being prepared before death can help alleviate some of the burdens on loved ones left behind.
By working with individuals and couples to ensure their affairs are in order, she helps provide peace of mind for all involved.
Ronnie's work has helped many people cope with the loss of their loved ones, and her empathy shines through every step of the way.
She truly understands the pain of losing someone close to you and the difficulties of navigating the post-death process.
By sharing her experiences and offering guidance, she provides hope and comfort to those who need it most.
The grief and pain of losing a loved one can be overwhelming and all-consuming.
It's a process that takes time and patience, and it's one that no one should have to go through alone.
Seeking support and help during this time is essential to healing and moving forward.
Whether through therapy, support groups, or working with Bereavement Navigators and Ronnie Genser, having someone to lean on can make all the difference in the world.
It's important to remember that everyone grieves differently and at their own pace, but with the right support and resources, it's possible to find peace and comfort during great loss.
In the next blog post, we will be discussing how Ronnie and her team can help caregivers and families with seniors prepare better for end-of-life.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe at home and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>