Experiencing the death of a loved one is never easy, but when it happens suddenly, it can feel like your world has crumbled. You’re not given any time to mentally prepare, no chance for goodbyes, and the shock can be overwhelming. It’s a heartbreaking experience to go through, and it’s important to remember that however you are feeling, it’s okay.
The shock of sudden loss
When someone dies suddenly, your mind might struggle to catch up. You might find yourself replaying the events in your head, searching for answers, and wishing things were different. This initial shock is a natural part of grieving. It’s your mind’s way of protecting itself from what has just happened.
You may also experience a range of very strong emotions. Sadness is usually the first, but you could also feel anger, guilt, or even fear. These feelings can come in waves. One moment they could feel overwhelming and the next they could feel much quieter. It’s important to allow yourself to experience these emotions.
Finding your way through grief
Grief isn’t a straight line; it will come with ups and downs and affect everyone differently. There is no set time for how long you will feel this way, and some days will feel easier than others.
There are a few things that are important to remember when it comes to navigating the grieving process:
Go easy on yourself
Processing these emotions can be hard, especially if you have never experienced grief before. Remember to give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Allow yourself to cry, to rest, and to simply be.
Talk about it with people close to you
Speaking to people can really help, even though it may feel hard to do. Speaking to friends, family, or a counsellor can be really helpful to some. Sometimes saying things out loud can make them feel a little less heavy.
Looking after you
When you’re grieving, your basic needs may be out of mind. Try to eat regular meals, even if you don’t feel like it, and get some rest. Exercise and fresh air can also be helpful for both your mind and body. Encouraging positive endorphins will help boost your overall well-being.
Finding small comforts
You may find listening to calming music, spending time in nature or even a hobby comforting during this difficult time. These small moments of peace can offer headspace and a chance to recharge. Finding something to make you feel at ease, even for a short period of time, can be really beneficial.
Don’t rush yourself
Don’t push yourself to feel a certain way just because you think you shouldn’t be grieving anymore. Grief brings various emotions that are not easy to switch off. Some days will be harder than others; that’s perfectly normal. Take each day as it comes.
Helping children cope with sudden death
When a loved one dies suddenly, it will impact the entire family. Children will be affected by the loss but might not know how to process these new emotions. Their understanding and expression of loss will vary depending on their age and their phase of development. Providing them with a safe, honest, and supportive environment will help them when it comes to navigating their feelings. The charity Winston’s Wish offers support to children, teenagers and young adults up to the age of 25 who are grieving the death of someone important to them.
When to seek professional help
Grief is a natural process, but sometimes it can feel too overwhelming to manage alone. Speaking to a professional like a GP, psychologist, or counsellor can help you on your grief journey.
Supporting others through sudden loss
When someone close to us experiences a sudden bereavement, it can be hard to know what to say or do. Often, the best support comes from simply being present, providing them with a sympathetic ear and listening to them without judgment.
Our article supporting others through grief details ways you can support someone who has experienced the sudden loss of a loved one.
How Life Ledger can support you
Dealing with grief in any circumstance is difficult, but the extra admin that comes following a bereavement can feel like another burden when your emotions are raw.
Life Ledger came about from our own experience with the overwhelming process of letting all the companies and organisations connected to your loved one know that they have died.
We want to save you time on endless calls and paperwork, and reduce the stress and worry of sharing your difficult news countless times.
Our easy-to-use death notification service means you can track progress, directly contact more than 1,000 companies through our platform, and upload necessary documents securely, all from one place. We handle all your information with the greatest care. Regular security checks and testing mean your data is always safe with us.Find out how we can support you here.
