Death can be a terrifying and distressing experience for anyone, no matter who they’ve lost or how close they were to them.
The mental health implications of your grief can be difficult to cope with, especially if you’ve never lost someone close to you before.
Loneliness is one key feeling that many people who’ve lost someone close to them experience, especially if the individual you’ve lost was a close confidant or roommate.
With the right support, anyone can live with grief and start to heal from the trauma of losing someone close to them, but help isn’t always easy to find.
For anyone who’s looking for support after the death of someone they love, here’s a list of some of the places you can look for help and care during your time of need.
Family And Friends
For most people, family and friends are the first ones you turn to when you’re distressed and upset. Many of them will know the deceased and be able to share great stories with you about their lives and how they influenced theirs. Remember that they might be grieving too, so they also need space to get the help they need too. For those without a large support network of friends and relatives, or anyone whose current group isn’t able to support them, there are other places to find people who can relate to you, as detailed below.
Your Funeral Home
If you’re planning the funeral service, then the funeral home you work with can be a major source of support and care. A professional team with experience, like Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, can help you with every aspect of celebrating the life of your loved one. From planning the funeral to choosing between a burial or cremation to writing the obituary, they can guide you through every stage of the process and ensure that you make the best decision for you that will honor the loved one you lost. Visit https://www.ingramfuneralhome.com/ to find out more about the support they can provide for you as they help you to plan the perfect celebration of life for the person you lost.
Local Support Groups
While it is easy to feel alone when you’re dealing with a loss, it’s important to remember that millions of others have dealt with the same issues. No two experiences are the same, but others who’ve lost loved ones will have insight into where to get help and coping mechanisms that can be beneficial. The other members of your support group will have similar experiences, so it can be comforting for you to hear from them. Consider searching for local support groups online to find local gatherings where you can meet others with similar experiences who can guide you through your grief and make you feel less alone.
Online Forums
It might seem like there’s a forum for everything online, and it’s probably true! These digital spaces can be useful for those who are grieving, as you can speak to others with the same issues online without having to leave the comfort of your home. These online spaces can be useful for those who need quick affirmation and support but don’t want to go to a physical meeting. While online groups can be useful, they can also be a rabbit hole, and it’s important to make sure you take a break. Also, you need to remember that the individuals in any support group, both on or off-line, aren’t professionals, so if in doubt, you should talk to an expert to find ways to cope with your feelings and get your life back on track.
Government Survivor Benefits
Emotional support isn’t all you need after a loss. After all, the world doesn’t stop turning, and your regular responsibilities won’t disappear just because you’re grieving. In fact, if the person you’ve lost lived in your home, or shared your responsibilities in some way, then you’ll actually have more to do now. So, you need to find ways to cut down on your workload without compromising so that everyone and everything you’re responsible for is safe and supported. One area that can be difficult is finances, particularly if your loved one was the breadwinner previously. To help, the US government offers a range of survivor benefits for those who’ve lost a loved one, including financial assistance, housing help, and educational support. So, you can explore the options available to you to ensure that you’re safe while you deal with your grief.
Organization Apps
Another way to get practical help during your time of need is to sign up for organizational apps, such as rideshare tools, food delivery solutions, and apps to help you find the right tradespeople when you need them. These handy digital tools can help you to save time and find the support you need with any household chores or tasks that you might be struggling with. For example, if you’re finding it hard to care for a pet or child while you’re grieving, you can find local care providers using task apps. Alternatively, if you’re finding it hard to cook and need to feed yourself and your family, you can get food delivered right to your door with just a few clicks on your phone. You can then save time while you get your life in order and deal with the ramifications of your loss.
A Bereavement Counselor
For those who are struggling mentally and need expert support, bereavement counselors can work to overcome the issues you’re having and provide you with usable coping strategies. While there’s still a stigma about getting professional mental health help, you should never be ashamed of getting the support you require. So, you should consult your physician to find the right professional to help you deal with your grief proactively. Working with a bereavement counselor can help you to get your life back on track and avoid picking up any negative mental habits that can lead to serious issues in your future.
A Quick Summary
Grief and loss can be incredibly challenging, even if the loss doesn’t seem significant. Whether it’s a pet or a pal, a close family member, or a work colleague, any death can be frightening and distressing for those who are left behind. Dealing with it alone can be incredibly difficult, but help is at hand if you know where to look. The platforms and people on this list should help you to find someone who can give you the care and love you need to recover from your loss. Whether you need practical help or emotional support, you can find it and start working on getting your life back after a loss.
