The Stress of Death: A Guide to Coping with the Uninvited Guest
Death. The
ultimate buzzkill. It’s like, one minute you’re sipping margaritas with your
BFF, and the next, you’re sobbing uncontrollably because they’re no longer with
you. Yeah, it’s a real party pooper.
Death is a natural
part of life, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. So, instead of trying
to avoid it or pretend it’s not happening, let’s talk about how to deal with
the stress that comes with losing someone we love.
The Five Stages of
Grief (AKA the Emotional Rollercoaster)
You know the
drill: denial, anger, bargaining, Depression, and acceptance. Yeah, it’s a wild
ride, but trust me, it’s a necessary one. Here’s a breakdown of each stage and
how to cope:
Denial: “This
can’t be happening! You’re just joking, right?” Yeah, it’s okay to feel
like you’re in a bad dream. Just remember, denial is a normal response to
trauma. Take a deep breath and try to process the reality of the situation.
Anger: “Why
did this have to happen? It’s so unfair!” You’re right, it’s unfair. But
let’s be real, life’s not always fair. Take your anger out on a pillow, a
punching bag, or a nice, sturdy tree. Just don’t take it out on innocent
bystanders.
Bargaining:
“Please, just give me one more day with them. I’ll do anything!”
Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s like, we’re trying to make a deal with the
universe to get our loved one back. Newsflash: it’s not going to happen. But,
hey, it’s a nice thought, right?
Depression:
“I’ll never be happy again. Life is pointless.” Okay, okay, we get
it. You’re sad. You’re allowed to be sad. Just don’t stay there forever. Take
small steps towards healing and remember that it’s okay to not be okay.
Acceptance:
“I’ll never forget them, but I’ll learn to live with the loss.” This
is the hardest stage, but it’s also the most liberating. You’re acknowledging
that your loved one is gone, and you’re choosing to move forward. It’s like,
you’re saying, “I’ll always love you, but I’ll also love myself enough to
keep living.”
Coping Mechanisms:
Because You’re Not Alone
·  Talk to someone: Whether it’s a friend,
family member, or therapist, talking to someone about your feelings can be
incredibly cathartic. Just remember, you’re not alone in this.
·  Write it out: Journaling can be a great way
to process your emotions and gain perspective. Just don’t worry too much about
grammar or spelling – it’s all about the feelings.
·  Do something positive: Plant a tree, donate
or volunteer your time. Doing something positive can help you feel more
connected to your loved one and give you a sense of purpose.
·  Take care of yourself: Eat well, Exercise,
and get enough Sleep. You’re not going to heal if you’re running on fumes.
·  Seek professional help: If you’re feeling
overwhelmed or struggling to cope, don’t be afraid to seek help from a
professional. They can offer you guidance, support, and coping strategies.
In conclusion, death is a part of life, and it’s not going anywhere
anytime soon. But, with the right coping mechanisms and a willingness to face
your emotions, you can learn to live with the loss and find happiness again.
So, take a deep breath, put on your big-girl/boy pants, and remember that
you’re not alone.
Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/
