The loss of a loved one is hard to get over, no matter the circumstances.
You may find some of these tips helpful in coming to terms with your grief;
Self-validate your emotions. You may feel an enormous sense of loss, you may believe that you are in a nightmare from which you will soon awake. Know that what you are going through is how the majority of us are impacted by such a tragedy, it is abnormally normal.
Show your emotions, proudly - fighting off emotions may only make them worse and delay things further. Cry, cry, and cry some more. Shout, scream, stamp, and get angry.
Guilt is normal too - Feelings of guilt and remorse are normal to feel, but they are like no other. Guilt is possibly the only feeling that I suggest you dismiss and not feel because it can be destructive. The tragedy happened, it was not your fault, it just happened.
Don't rush - Allow your brain to absorb the tragic event before you even think about starting the rationalisation process. Time is what you need right now, time is very important, take your time and use it to your advantage.
Initially, you may need to seek medical assistance to get through the pain and suffering. There is no shame in seeking medical help. In fact, the opposite is true, it is a sign that you want to get through this event to honour the person lost.
Then, when you feel up to it, seeking psychological counselling can be very beneficial. Counselling from a qualified person who is skilled in the area of loss from tragedy. Socialisation helps, talking with real people about real events and real emotions.
During times of remembrance such as anniversaries, birthdays, and regular celebrations you will be reminded of the one that you have lost. Take time to reflect on why this is happening, may I suggest that it is because the person lost meant so much to you.
No matter how you feel, what happens, or how low you get, just keep going - breath by breath, second by second, minute by minute - keep going.
Let’s talk!