by Laura Hinds

Created on: June 03, 2009

Coping with bereavement is one of the hardest things that we, as human beings, have to do in life. Yet there are certain steps that you should follow in order to make things as easy as you possibly can for yourself and for your family.

If a death occurs at home, or anywhere else outside of a hospital, you must call for emergency services and a doctor as soon as possible to confirm the death and call the time of death. This is not just to help you, it is the law. All unattended deaths must be confirmed by a doctor.

There is paperwork to be done, such as obtaining the death certificate, life insurance papers and a will. Most often, as soon as you contact a funeral home to help with burial plans, the professionals will not only get you the death certificate, they may contact the insurance company for you. You will be asked to meet with the Funeral Director or an associate to make such plans and to write an obituary. If you can, take someone with you as you may not be thinking clearly and you may need the assistance of a less emotionally involved person.

Look for the deceased address book and make calls to family and friends. You may want to ask for help with this also as it can be very emotionally draining. There may be many questions posed to you, but try to keep it simple and stick to the basic facts.

When it is time for the wake or funeral many people facing the loss of a loved one will ask to see the body. This may help you to deal with the reality of the situation, but it is never easy to see the vacant shell where once a vibrant person resided.

Everyone grieves differently, but you need to allow yourself time. There are many Grief Counseling Programs available through Hospice Programs and Churches. Talking with family and friends and sharing stories about your loved ones life can also help. It is popular today to even have a Celebration of Life so that pictures and stories can be told and shared by all.

Grief can take it's toll on you physically as well. Try to get some rest and to eat properly. Your doctor may prescribe something mild to help you sleep as night time can be so lonely in the face of death. Be careful not to take any sedative with alcohol, and not to take more than the prescribed amount.

After awhile the changes in your life will change you. You will accept your loss, and be ready to make some changes of your own. You could join a group, take a course in something that interests you, take up a new hobby or begin an exercise program.

Each individual will cope in their own way. Don't let anyone tell you it is time to get over it- you will do it in your own time as Mother Nature helps you to heal.

Remember, your late loved one would not want you to stop living. When you are ready, you will move on with your life and still have your treasured memories.

Learn more about this author, Laura Hinds.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.