The moment that follows the loss of a loved one, the mourning, is a difficult step that is part of a linear process in four stages. The death of a parent, a friend, an acquaintance generates a first phase of shock during which the loss is difficult to accept. There is even talk of denial of the reality of loss. Then comes a phase of protest during which people feel pain, mixed with anger: an essential phase in the recognition of the death of their loved one. Third step: acceptance, which goes through despair and deep sadness. The last stage, the fourth, is a reorganization, which is possible only after having accepted the loss of a loved one: it is the end of the mourning.
What to do when you lose a loved one?
Do not confuse "depression" with a person's normal reaction to the loss of a loved one. The four phases presented above are essential psychological steps, which are part of the natural process of mourning.
Despite this, there is no truly miracle recipe for overcoming grief. It is important that those who remain are well-rounded to cope with the loneliness that grieves people. To help the bereaved to overcome the disappearance of a loved one, do not hesitate to actively participate in the proceedings, important rituals that follow the death of anyone, whatever they are. These rituals can be religious, but also include testimonials of sympathy and support or the sending of thank you cards of death (http://remerciementdeces.fr) for those who have lost a loved one and wish to thank those present at the funeral of the deceased.
One in five bereavement can be complicated, and this can turn into pathological mourning in 5% of cases, requiring psychological help (this is the case in traumatic situations such as suicide, illness, the loss of a child …) .
Leave time to time …
The adage is very true in mourning: time helps repair and heal wounds. Generally, the first "birthday" of the death of a loved one represents an important step that allows the realization, for those who remain, of the fact that it was possible to continue to live despite everything. Nothing will be the same as before, of course, but it is important to look for a new balance and to think about oneself and one's own projects, one's life, maintaining a link with the loved one who now has another status.
