How to Cope with the Unexpected Death of a Loved One

Even if a person has been ailing from a terminal disease for several years, death can take you by surprise. An unexpected death can also be the result of a car accident, a heart attack, many other reasons. The family members and friends of the deceased are left picking up the pieces from this loss. It can be a confusing and scary time, but you can cope with an unexpected death and eventually return to normal life.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your friends and family about the loss. Share your honest feelings about what has just occurred. Tell stories and anecdotes about the deceased. Having a candid discussion concerning your thoughts and emotions will help you feel better.

• 2

  Avoid isolating yourself. Many times people who suffer a sudden loss will stay in their home and away from work, social activities, and their families. Try to leave your home at least one time a day. Return to work, if only part time. Go out to the movies with a friend. Making time for yourself and your needs will help you feel more emotionally secure.

• 3

  Eat healthy and drink eight to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Many people who are entrenched in grief will simply forget to eat. This will only make a person physically ill as well as heartsick.

• 4

  Ask the people in your life for help with everyday chores, such as vacuuming, dishes, and laundry. Don't feel that you have to on the responsibility of all household duties and grieve all at the same time.

• 5

  Speak to a friend, family member, or a professional if you are unable to eat or sleep or if you simply need a shoulder to cry on.

• 6

  Seek the assistance of a professional counselor or visit a hospital emergency room if you are afraid you may hurt yourself or others, if you are having severe problems sleeping, or if you have chest pains or difficulty breathing.

• 7

  Speak to a trusted member of your church or the clergy. Spiritual guidance will begin to help you make sense of this traumatic loss.

• 8

  Avoid making major life decisions or changes. According to Healthy Place, a mental health website, a person who is in mourning needs to adjust to this new existence before making dramatic changes such as remarrying or starting a new job.