Non- Mourners Beware! You don't want to know the answer to this question!

The death of a loved one will change your entire life.

Every area of your life will be affected by the death of a loved one. Our world is irreparably changed by the simple fact that our love one is no longer a part of it. Learning to live in this new world can be challenging, as we slowly make our way towards our new lives without the physical presence of our loved ones. How does the death of a loved one affect you, and what can you do to ensure a happy, meaningful and rewarding life after your loved one has died?

You will be challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by the death of your loved one. Every level of your existence will come into question, as you re-frame, examine and process your loss throughout your grief journey.

Physically: The body-mind-soul connection is clearly recognised in the grieving individual. The enormous emotional upheaval experienced at the death of a loved one often weakens the physical body, causing many mourners to experience various aches and pains. Dental problems are common, as stress hormones wreak havoc throughout the body. Many mourners experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, sleep disturbances, eating disorders and the like.

Mentally: Death is very hard to wrap your mind around. The closer the relationship (and therefore, the emotional investment) is to the deceased, the more profound the effect. Short term memory loss is common, and though frustrating, it usually disappears within a few months. Much more difficult to process is the actual relationship with the deceased, it's highlights and low points, and the eternal question of 'what if'. Regrets seem insurmountable when you have no recourse for correcting them.

Emotionally: Imagine yourself, standing on a calm shoreline. Suddenly, in the distance, you see a great wave forming. You know that wave is coming straight to shore, but you cannot move from your place, despite the danger it presents. You are frozen on the spot, waiting to be swept away. Death is that tidal wave of emotion. It comes crashing in when you least expect it, washing away all the progress you thought you had made on your grief journey. No human could possibly withstand such emotional pain and survive, yet, with rare exception, most mourners do. The emotional expression of your loss is integral to your ultimate acceptance of the death of your loved one.

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about How does the death of a loved one affect you??
We want to hear your view. Write now!