LOSING A LOVED ONE

Losing a Loved One

Losing a Loved One

I never would have imagined that thirteen days after my son's birthday, he would have been killed on his motorcycles coming to visit me and his friends. Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is not easy. If you have recently been bereaved, we hope these pages will be of help at this difficult time.

Complicated grief may develop after a sudden or traumatic death such as a suicide, homicide, casualty of war or public tragedy. It may appear as a complete absence of grief, an inability to express normal reactions of grief or expressing abnormally intense reactions of grief. This may develop into major depression, substance abuse or other serious issues. Survivors may require the help of a clergy member, counselor or other qualified professional. Mourning is the public acknowledgement of your loss, formally expressed through visitations, funerals, memorial services, graveside visits and other occasions. Survivors receive support from individuals who acknowledge their grief. Feelings of loss tend to become more intense following public mourning, as others resume their normal lives.

It is natural to feel deep sorrow after losing a loved one. However, sorrow sometimes gives way to depression, which is an illness that should be treated.

Children grieve, but they do not understand death or experience grief as adults do. When children are affected by the death of a loved one, parents and other adults should express their own grief openly and talk to children about what has happened. It is important to acknowledge their stress and sadness. Let them know it is normal to cry or be sad, confused or angry. Reassure them that this death does not mean someone else they love will die soon.

I was catching up on some paper work that I had on my ...