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Writer's pictureLibera Mentis

When a Parent Dies Suddenly and Unexpectedly - Coping with Grief and Loss

There is probably nothing more painful than losing a parent. However, this shock can become even harder to bear when it comes out of the blue. Understandably, suddenness makes the loss even harder because there are many people who would be left in a daze trying to understand what happens when a parent dies all of a sudden. There are some who, upon facing such a tragedy, are equipped with the ability to cope with the impending sorrow, seek help as necessary, and finally forge their way to recovery.


The Shock of Unexpected Parent Death Grief

Most of the time the first reaction to the death of a parent is complete paralysis of emotional sorts. One can say that it is surreal, that in an instant the whole world has been turned upside down. The factors vary, but each one leaves the person with little or no time to get ready, which therefore will increase the intensity of the shock. Often in the initial stages, people are bewildered and therefore, lost in understanding how the void came to their lives.

It is also possible that this form of shock can include feelings of anger, guilt or helplessness. People often wonder whether they could have done something to avoid this, or have regrets for not expressing things before. These outbursts must be accepted for what they are – they real stages of grieving.


Grieving is Personal

There are many forms of grieving and no two people grieve in the same way. Individuals may weep; still, others may feel little or no emotion. For some, it may be necessary to share their sadness over the loss while for others, emotions must be bottled up. For most, the second reaction is to somehow say “I have to be strong” particularly if there are others who need support like siblings or the surviving parent or the children themselves. However, it is also normal to mourn and self-pity one’s self and not be in a rush to recover.


There are likely to be many ups and downs, with episodes of sadness that will be diminished eventually by some moments of normalcy. One should be fully aware of the fact that grief is never constant. There will be some periods where one has good days, while other days may be worse. Recovery is never instantaneous and hence it is very important during this time to be easy with oneself.


Seeking Support After a Parent’s Death

The most distressing part in the horror of sudden loss of a parent is the void that also comes along with it. This condition arises when a person cannot or is unable to share their sadness and grief, or perceive that the people surrounding them do not really understand what they are going through. In such times, seeking help from professionals is critical.

Counselling can be a constructive tool at this moment. Scheduling an appointment with a professional makes it possible for people to express and resolve emotional issues. Liberamentis, for instance, helps clients who are experiencing loss in any form through provision of emotional wound healing services. At Liberamentis, the client can talk about why and how they feel.

Using such applications like Zoom, MS Teams or Google Meet, Liberamentis facilitates counselling regardless of the location of the clients. It is easier as it means the clients would not need to go out of the house which might not be favourable as they are trying to deal with the loss of a loved one. Balancing loss and emotional stability is possible by getting private and secure counselling with Liberamentis.


Managing the Practicalities

Beside the psychological constraints of one feeling the death of a parent, there are also a lot of practical matters that require urgency. Planning a burial service, handling the legal matters, maintaining the family house, and paying all the debts can appear to be a very depressing burden.


At this sobering period, one should objectively aid others even in this stage of bereavement. Whether it is contacting close friends and family members or even lawyers, teamwork helps reduce some burden. It is never fair for anyone to shoulder such great responsibilities alone.


Aid Siblings And Other Members Of The Family

For the people who have siblings or other close family members the relationship in the family could change a lot. The worst thing is every family member may want to mourn differently. It can be instrumental to one another’s feelings. A few people may wish to discuss their lost loved one and a few may want to be quiet.


But within the family, members should try and encourage each other. However, when they feel or start acting otherwise, that is the time to give them professional assistance. For instance, when a brother or a sister is depressed or perhaps anxious or cannot cope, advising them to go for therapy may be a way out. Counselling services at Liberamentis are for diverse reasons including grief and so they can be helpful in this time.


Adjusting to a New Normal

However, after the phase of shock and grief is somewhat over, there is a moment that people have to start learning to live without their parents. This phase of grief is usually about learning how to move ahead without someone but still keep their memory.

For some, this may involve starting new rituals, trying out things they once liked or doing things that they enjoy. On the other hand, others may be uncomfortable with losing certain things and would like to nurture their parent’s past life, which includes retaining the family home, birthdays and anniversaries.


Grief is a condition or feeling that will not disappear but as time goes by one learns how to cope with it without any assistance. As people go through their many emotions they eventually discover a new way of living and functioning in the universe where their parents are not present.


Self-Care is Necessary

When that time comes, self-care becomes a secondary issue one is focused on, it is about self-gratification. With that in mind, it is very easy to get over absorbed in the emotional suffering, but taking care of oneself both emotionally and physically is necessary.

Resting, eating properly, and exercising are some of the techniques that help the body to combat excess pressure.


To restore normal functioning of the body and mind one has to look for treatment, talk to family and friends and give yourself permission to mourn.

Liberamentis also understands the practice of taking care of oneself and the daily efforts of professional assistance that motivate people to attend to their emotions while dealing with loss.


Conclusion


Sudden death of a parent is the most traumatic experience one can face in his or her life. The impact of this is usually very hard, and in trying to manage these emotions, people react differently.


Self-allowance for grief, provision of support, and time to recuperate are all critical. However, don’t worry as healing is possible by accessing professionally offered services such as those offered at Liberamentis.


Liberamentis helps to deal with grief and talk about feelings in a safe and confidential environment. With online therapy appointments, people can participate in sessions from wherever they are as assistance is available 24-7 regardless of location. Mourning may take quite some time, however, moving on and finding tranquillity is very much achievable.





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