Introduction
Each of us
grieves the loss of a child, or any other significant loss, in our own way. And
each of us has our own way of coping with our grief. Some bereaved parents may
benefit from traditional support groups, others from more alternative
therapies. Still others may simply need time alone to come to grips with their
emotions. There really is no wrong way to grieve. The information offered on
grief and support on this website is intended to provide you with some initial
thoughts and ideas for coping with your loss. But please realize, your journey
is only beginning…..
What You May
Experience in Grief
Grief is a
complex emotion.
It is
necessary to recognize that behavioral changes are common in grief. You may experience bodily distress, such as
sighing, breathing irregularities, gastro-intestinal disturbances, asthma,
restlessness, tearfulness, spontaneous crying, or hyper-irritability. You may
feel hostility toward God, yourself and others, including the departed, with
accompanying guilt feelings. You may
want to withdraw and be left alone. You
may have emotional distress, depression, fears, less energy, bewilderment and
even a death wish.
What You
Can Do
Honestly
acknowledge the pain and suffering of your loss and do not be afraid to express
this. Be willing to talk out your
thoughts, feelings, and memories with caring persons. Friends, clergy, and counselors can be
helpful. Grief and sorrow left
unexpressed can lead to despair.
Realize
that there is no timetable for your grief. As you feel confident and
comfortable, you may want to become involved in activities and relationships
that provide purpose and meaning for you.
Much of your grief involves meaning, since your identity, values,
decisions, directions and commitments have been threatened. Therefore, seek out those activities and
persons that can help to preserve your identity and values and which give
meaning to your life.
From,
Rev. L.
Richard Batzler, Ph.D., Past President, Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship
International, and author of Through the Valley of the Shadow.
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