Spouse:
When the spouse dies there is a deep sadness that the partner feels. For some it might be an emptiness, while for others it will be deep sorrow. People deal with the death of their spouse in different ways:
1. Some tend to keep their emotions to themselves. This is partly because people can’t understand what they are going through. The emotions and the memories are fresh and so there is a stronger reaction to the news of the death.
2. There will be a different reaction for men and for women. Men tend to be brave and not show emotions. However, women tend to be more vocal in terms of crying it out and making their emotions more visible.
Child:
They say the death of a child changes the individual forever. The loss of a child could mean many things for the mother:
1. One of the thoughts that a woman would have would be one of not having anything to look forward to once the child passes away. It seems so futile and pointless to go ahead. Everything that they looked forward to goes down the drain. There is no reason for her to live.
2. Another aspect that parents go through is that there is no one to carry their legacy. When a child dies all their hopes and desires go down the drain.
3. A third aspect to consider is that for a woman the death of a child works on her self – esteem. If all her life is surrounded with the child, then there is no reason to live other than for the child.
4. The death of a child also wrecks the relationship of the couple. The husband may not be able to cope with the sadness of the wife and this leads to major issues in the family. The woman may take years to get back on track. This can take an emotional toll on the both the individuals.
Grandparents:
When grandparents pass away, the emotions that are felt are quite real for the child. Grandparents are seen as those that are caring and individuals that make the child feel safe.
1. When a grandparent passes away, there is a loss in terms of losing that person who stood in the gap for them.
2. They are the people who are available to listen to and hear their issues.
3. Grandparents are also the people that are affectionate and offer them leniency.
4. The death will cause a void for the child but having open family conversations celebrating the life of the grandparent will be very healing and soothing for the child.
Mentor:
The death of a mentor is also difficult especially for someone who has been involved in the individual’s life for a long time and has helped the individual climb the ladder at work.
What are some ways you can help others deal with the death of a mentor?
1. Write about them. Celebrate the life of the mentor by letting others know who they were. This will help to release the emotions that are hurtful and also help to deal with the loss.
2. Think of lessons that the mentor has taught and use that to pay it forward. What was taught to the individual must be taught to others. Teach it first to the family and then to the people where the individuals works.
3. Talk about the lessons learnt and celebrate the lessons in the work place as well.
4. Talk openly about sadness and grief which is important for the individual. Writing about it or expressing it to others will help to release pent-up emotions.
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