Page 21 - O'Shea Funeral Guide
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and necessary. It may cause a variety Guilt can be one of the hardest
of reactions, including: emotions to deal with and it may
last a long time. Self blame and
• Feeling tired and irritable. You may doubt add to the pain of grief. This
experience insomnia or feel tired can make it difficult to share with
all the time. others. Talking about your feelings or
• Appetite changes. You may or may keeping a journal often helps you gain
not feel hungry. perspective and insight. There are no
• Feelings of anxiousness. You may right or wrong feelings in grief, there
feel worried and excited at the same are just your feelings.
time; like your heart is racing and
you cannot “catch your breath”. Take care of yourself
• Feelings of emptiness. You may Have compassion and take care of
feel hollow inside. It may be hard yourself. Eat properly, get enough rest
to concentrate or remember things. and exercise. Grief causes tremendous
• Feeling out-of-control. You may stress on your body. It attacks even
feel helpless, angry or frightened. the strongest immune system. You
may catch more colds, experience
All of these feelings are normal. headaches or muscle aches. Taking
Your whole world has changed. You care of yourself is more important
cannot bring the person back or now than ever before. You might try
change the situation. It is natural to some deep breathing exercises or
feel vulnerable. Through information, relaxation techniques. You can find
we gain a sense of understanding. relaxation tapes at a library or a book
Through understanding, we gain a store.
sense of control.
Take control
Seek out information about grief, It is important at this time to do things
everyone grieves differently. Our that can give you back some sense of
cultural and religious experiences, control. You will be faced with making
the circumstances of the death and many decisions regarding your future,
our relationship with the person who both personal and financial. Take time
died influence our reactions to grief. making major decisions. Begin slowly.
If someone dies after a long illness, Handle projects in small increments
there may be a momentary sense of of time. This will help build your
relief that the pain is over. If a death confidence and prove that you are
is sudden and unexpected, shock and making progress.
a feeling of numbness may occur. If
a young person dies there is a sense Put the clothes away when you are
that things are out of order and that ready. Do not let others push you to
life is not the way it is supposed to be. make decisions you are uncomfortable
making.
What you can do
Acknowledge and express your As you are getting your finances in
feelings. Grief can be confusing. order, get your other affairs in order
Sadness, anger, fear and guilt are some to. Change insurance beneficiaries.
of the most common emotions. You Check your health and other insurance
may feel nothing at all or feel them all policies. Discuss your own funeral
at the same time. Do not be afraid of arrangements with your family and
the intensity of your emotions. Mood funeral director. Taking care of life’s
swings are normal. “paperwork” can help restore a sense
of control and give you peace of mind.
O’Shea Funeral Homes - Page 21
