How can I deal with the sudden loss of a loved one?

If you’ve lost someone you love to another person’s negligent actions, you may be reeling from the suddenness of the event. For many people these types of deaths are far more traumatic, as there is no lead up to prepare you for losing someone you love. While every person needs to navigate grief in their own way, Psychology Today offers the following advice to make the process less troubling.

Be prepared for an angry response

While there are many different emotions associated with grief, many people feel unbelievable anger at losing their loved one in a senseless manner. In this case, anger must be dealt with effectively to facilitate a healthy grieving process. Stifling feelings of rage will only delay a response, as well as increase stress and anxiety surrounding the death. If your anger is getting in the way of your life or relationships, a counselor or therapist can help.

Don’t place blame on yourself

In the same token, it’s natural to try to blame oneself for not preventing what occurred. This is an attempt to take back control of the situation, which many people feel was wrenched from them when their loved one died. While it’s hard to think about, the best way to prevent blame is to accept that the accident would have occurred despite your best efforts to prevent it.

Finding meaning can be beneficial

With senseless tragedies, it often helps for a person to find meaning in the event. This can be as simple as celebrating the person you lost, who can live on in the memories of you and others. You may also find solace in your religious or spiritual beliefs, or by volunteering for a cause your loved one believed in.