Why Prioritize Self-Care After Losing a Loved One

People have different reactions to the death of a close friend or family member. If you have recently lost a loved one, you should know that there is no right or wrong way to feel or display your grief. Still, very intense emotions can spark negative behavioral and even physical reactions. After the loss of a loved one, you might need to give yourself a break and take time to attend to your self-care.

Typical Reactions People Have to the Loss of a Loved One

It might help to recognize how loss commonly affects other people. According to Lourdes Hospital, these are some very typical reactions that people have to grief:

Emotional: Of course, most people feel sad after they lose somebody who is close to them. You might even feel guilty, angry, depressed, or anxious. While some well-meaning friends might advise you to keep busy until the feelings pass, this isn’t the best advice for everybody. You might take time to enjoy some well-deserved rest and spend time with a few people who are close to you. While you’re grieving, you should probably put off important decisions too.

Behavioral: Many folks have trouble sleeping, participating in social events, or focusing on work right after the loss of a loved one. You may even experience unreasonable anger or annoyance towards the people around you. If you have trouble controlling your behavior and mood, you might consider joining a grief support group or visiting with a therapist. You coulds find it easier to vent or express your feelings to relative strangers than to your close circle of relatives and friends.

Physical: Certainly, strong emotions can affect your physical health. Muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue are common symptoms, but there could be others. Certainly, you should visit your doctor if you experience any unusual physical discomfort or pain. Your doctor can properly diagnose the underlying causes and suggest the best treatment.

People who try to contain their feelings often end up feeling them most intensely. It’s helpful if you can find ways to express your feelings after the loss of a loved one to people that you trust. This could be your closest friends, a bereavement group, or even healthcare professionals. You might also find that writing down your feelings in a personal journal allows you to discharge some emotions and still maintain your privacy.

Some mourners feel intense emotional or physical reactions right after their loved one passes away; however, it takes other people days or weeks to really come to terms with the reality of the loss. Just as there isn’t one particularly right way to experience grief, there also isn’t a schedule that everybody has to adhere to.

At Boston Cremation, we can help you plan a simple cremation or memorial service to meet the needs of your family and to help you move forward after the loss of a loved one. Contact us today at 781.322.0909 to let us help you plan a worry free cremation.