Overcoming the Sudden Death of a Spouse

 

 

The sudden death of a spouse, especially in the case of wrongful death, is a devastating loss that will forever change your life, but though it can take years, eventually you can heal from your loss. Healing won’t begin immediately, but studies suggest that people can become used to a new normal in about three years after a loss. Taking the following steps now to ensure your healing process moves forward is vital to your current and future well-being. 

Take Care of Yourself

After the loss of a loved one, it’s normal to experience disrupted sleeping patterns, a lack of appetite, and withdrawal from your social circles. However, it’s vital to resist these urges as best possible. Maintain a healthy diet and normal sleep schedule as best you can maintain contact with your friends and family and take time off work for yourself if possible. The trauma of loss can be overbearing , you will need to take care of yourself so that you remain healthy, 

Stay Connected with Friends and Family

Your loved one touched others around them, and it’s likely that others are feeling the sting of loss as well. Reaching out to others, or accepting their attempts to reach out to you, can aid in your own healing. You may also be able to help console others who wish to speak with you about their feelings. By remaining in contact with others, you can help to stay grounded as best possible, and will also have others to keep an eye on how you are coping with your loss.

Watch for Signs of Complicated Grief

It’s perfectly normal to experience grief after a loved one dies, even for an extended period. The grieving process is critical to healing and should be supported by both you and your loved ones. However, there are some signs that grief turns into complicated grief, which is something that can actually hinder healing. Warning signs of complicated grief include the following:

 

  • Intense focus on your loss and reminders of your loved one
  • Wishing for death
  • Increasing bitterness
  • Inability to accept the death
  • Depression
  • Blaming one’s self for the death
  • Deteriorating relationships
  • And more

 

If you are experiencing signs of complicated grief, it’s vital to seek out professional help. A therapist or grief counselor has much experience in handling instances of complicated grief and can help you navigate out of it toward a healthier relationship with your loss.

Speak With a Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you lost a loved one due to a case of wrongful death, or suspect that you may have, then it’s vital to consult with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Establishing your case, gathering the necessary evidence, and arguing on your behalf are all tasks that your lawyer can assist with. The wrongful death of a loved one can rob you of years of memories as well as income. You and your family can be left in a dire financial position due to your loved one’s death and you may be entitled to compensation as a result. [Source: https://onmyside.com/areas-we-serve/lafayette-la/wrongful-death-lawyer/]

Don’t Give Up

Even though your loved one may be gone, you are still here. Impossible as it seems now, life continues, and each day is another chance for you to prove it. Stay in contact with your friends and family and keep up with your social life. Take what steps you can to protect your physical and mental health to assist in your recovery from loss.

 

Losing a loved one suddenly is never easy to deal with. However, by knowing what steps to take to better cope with your loss, and how to identify warning signs that you aren’t handling the loss, you can give yourself the best chance to successfully recover as best you can.

 

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