The loss of a loved one can take its toll on you both physically and mentally. You may experience a roller coaster of emotions. One moment you may find yourself incapacitated by grief, whereas in the next you may feel almost normal. Anger, fear, guilt, and panic are just a few of the emotions you may experience. This is completely normal.
The physical effects of grief can include sleeplessness, excessive fatigue, headaches, general malaise, intestinal upsets, and dizziness. During periods of extreme stress such as grief, it is crucial that you try to eat regularly and to rest, since stress can suppress your immune system, making you more prone to illness.
Your grief reaction and subsequent recovery can depend on the quality of your relationship to the deceased, your capacity to handle stress, and the type of support network that you have. If your relationship was strained or you have never experienced the loss of a loved one, your grief may be overwhelming.
Do not be afraid to seek the support of family and friends. They will want to help but might not be sure how to go about doing so. All too often, those who are grieving keep their feelings to themselves and feel that others will be able to anticipate their needs. As difficult as it may seem, it may be necessary for you to take the initiative.
Talk to any of us at Williams Funeral Home. We are listeners, advisors, and supporters. We assist those who are grieving every day.
Web Resources
Center for Loss and Life Transition A private organization dedicated to furthering our understanding of and compassion for the complex set of emotions we call grief. Dedicated to helping both the bereaved, by walking with them in their unique life journeys, and bereavement caregivers, by serving as their educational liaison and professional forum.
Grief and Loss Grief support information and resources from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
GriefNet GriefNet is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss. They have many e-mail support groups. Their integrated approach to on-line grief support provides help to people working through loss and grief issues of all kinds.
Willowgreen A leading provider of information and inspiration in the areas of illness and dying, loss and grief, healthy caregiving, life transition, and spirituality.
Crisis, Grief and Healing A place where men and women can discuss, chat or browse to understand the many different paths to heal strong emotions. Resources on the site include excerpts from Tom Golden's books on healing from loss.
Beyond Indigo Beyond Indigo is part of a a privately held company called Kelasan Inc. based out of Minnesota, MN. Beyond Indigo is currently the only business of Kelasan Inc. Beyond Indigo has been live on the web since 1997. The goal of this company is to provide grief support, products and services to individuals and companies who assist people who are grieving.
