VWB Blog Have you suffered the devastating loss of a child?
And it’s no picnic for any adult to deal with. Be assured that there are ways to help you cope with the loss of a child, be it through friends, family or therapy.
Don’t suffer in silence. Check out these steps that you can take to help recover and deal with the pain of having a child pass away.
1. Understanding the Stages of Grief and Loss
There are five steps to understanding grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Denial is the initial stage and allows the person to distance themselves from the reality of their loss.
Anger is often the second stage in which the person may feel tremendous rage and guilt. Bargaining is the attempt to postpone or undo the loss. Depression is the emotional and mental toll a person experiences as they process their grief. Finally acceptance occurs when the person is able to accept their reality and live in it.
2. Attend a Loss of a Child Retreat
Attending a loss of a child retreat can provide the extra support and peace of mind needed. The retreat provides an opportunity to validate feelings of loss, foster an environment of support, and help attendees process grief in a healthy manner.
Additionally, such retreats often provide access to professional grief counselors where participants can comfortably address their grief and loss. Furthermore, engaging in special retreat activities with other attendees can also provide an outlet to express themselves and help remember their lost children in meaningful ways.
3. Accepting Support from Friends and Family
Recognize those who offer support, both emotionally and physically. Give yourself time and space to express what you’re feeling. Recognize that everyone has different ways of offering support, and that’s okay.
Revise your expectations, as some may not exist in the current moment. This can be done by consulting bereavement professionals, religious organizations, support groups, or any other organization or individual who can offer assistance.
4. Find Comfort Through Self-Care
To begin, you must allow yourself to recognize and feel your intense emotions, as bottling them up can be damaging.
Going for a walk, engaging in deep breathing, writing in a journal and speaking to a close friend or family member can all help begin to open up the pathways to healing, reduce anxiety and ease depression.
Additionally, allowing yourself to take part in activities that bring you joy, such as yoga, listening to music, playing sports, or visiting your favorite places can help you appreciate the little moments.
5. Finding Meaning Through Positive Action
Finding meaning and solace when grieving the loss of a child can be a difficult and trying experience. Positive actions can help provide a sense of purpose and help with the healing process. You can create a routine with activities and goals that give a sense of comfort and normalcy.
Connect with others who have experienced similar loss and share your experiences in safe, supportive environments. Seek counseling to talk through your stages of grief and manage your emotions.
Learn How to Cope With the Loss of a Child
Developing healthy coping strategies can help you process the pain and grief you might feel after the loss of a child. It is important to seek assistance from mental health professionals, medical practitioners and support groups to receive the help and guidance you need to process the grief.
Check out our other blog posts for more health and lifestyle tips.