The pain of losing a child is one of the toughest to endure, which is why so many parents who go through this experience struggle to find meaning. In truth, such moments typically make you feel like you've lost a part of yourself and can make it difficult to return to a normal life.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, the one thing you want to keep in mind is that it's possible to heal from this life-shattering loss, but it will take time. Here's what you should know about this topic.
First, What Feelings and Experiences Should You Expect?
Grieving the loss of a child comes with unimaginable pain. Still, understanding the possible reactions you might have is a highly recommended action that can provide some form of comfort.
Besides, even topcounselling Sheffield providers like RJ Therapy encourage bereaved parents to begin their healing process by exploring and understanding the range of feelings they are experiencing. In this regard, here are some of the feelings and experiences you might have to deal with:
1. Shock
This is one of the most common reactions to a child's death. In most cases, it makes you get into denial about what has happened, thus you're unable to process and accept your loss. It's a normal feeling but experts discourage staying in this state for too long since it can cause further emotional stress.
2. Guilt
It's also common for guilt to be part of the emotions that arise after losing a child. Sometimes, you will feel guilty that you weren't able to protect your child. You might even feel like their death was a punishment for a wrong you did. Other times, you will even feel like you're wrong for having survived while your child didn't.
The best way to overcome guilt is to keep in mind that a loved one's death isn't your fault. Take it as fate and remember there's not much you can do to change fate.
3. Anger
Losing a child can also make you feel angry about the unfairness involved. When someone should have had a long life ahead, it will seem unfair to you that their life has been cut short. It's also not uncommon to direct your anger to God, fate, or even those around you whose children are still alive and well.
If you feel angry about your child's death, try as much as you can to express your feelings. Talk about what you're going through with your friends or family since this can reduce the intensity of your emotions to a certain degree.
4. Depression
Depression associated with losing a child comes as a combination of feelings of sadness and longing for them. It's usually an intense pain that occurs in waves over several years. For most, it will feel like life has lost its meaning. Not only that but the things that once felt interesting will no longer excite you.
There's not much you can do to avoid this kind of depression but you still don't want to leave it unchecked. That's why it's a good idea to seek help from a mental health professional who is experienced in dealing with grief-related issues.
When all is said and done, the most important tips for dealing with the death of your child are:
● Don't dismiss your grief
● Acknowledge your feelings
● Seek professional help where necessary
● Take care of yourself physically and mentally
● Get support from others who have gone through a similar loss
When's The Right Time to Seek Therapy?
Even though grief is a normal process of life, different people will react differently. Some may choose to suspend their daily activities to take some time alone, while others will need company almost constantly.
Considering grief is a personalised response to an unbearable loss, it's not easy to predict how someone may behave. Nonetheless, it's recommended to contact a therapist if a grieving parent:
● Mentions harming themselves or other people
● Refuses to do daily activities like eating, going to work, bathing, etc.
● Starts engaging in dangerous or unusual rituals
● Isolates themselves from dependent children, whether emotionally or physically
● Refuses to talk about anything else
● Doesn't believe the loss has occurred
● Suddenly threatens divorce
● Erupts in fits of rage (not their usual character)
● Claims continuously that no one understands their feelings
Seeking Help from RJ Therapy
Losing a child through death may feel like the end of the world for most parents. Even more important is the fact that no two people grieve the same way. That's why it's always advisable to seek out professional grief counselling, whether online or in person. Taking this direction means the grieving parent can get a personalised treatment plan that's tailored to their needs and preferences.
RJ Therapy is a great provider of support for parents who have lost their children. So whether you need short-term, long-term, online, or in-person (available in Sheffield only) therapy, a quick visit to rjtherapy.co.uk is all you need!