Grief is a natural response to a loss, especially that of a loved one. In fact, healthy grieving is an essential part of the healing process. But you should remember that healthy grieving is an active process and should not be rushed. Talking and sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or counsellor can be incredibly cathartic during this time.
However, we understand that some might not want to burden their loved ones with their feelings of grief. While this may seem like a kind gesture, bottling up your emotions can make you feel overwhelmed and isolated. After all, everyone needs emotional support during this trying time. So if you still struggle with your grief after attending your loved one’s funeral service, you should visit a grief counsellor in Singapore.
Reason #1: Understand the grieving process
Are you familiar with the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance? The Kübler-Ross model posits that everyone goes through these phases when grieving the loss of a loved one. But every individual mourns in their own way and on their own schedule, so the stages are not necessarily predictable or linear.
This is where a grief counsellor can step in and help you identify and comprehend your grieving process. By understanding the different stages of grief, you can better tap into your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to take the first step towards healing after attending your loved one’s funeral service.
Reason #2: Learn self-care
Grief can exact a significant toll, causing one to feel emotionally, mentally, and physically drained. While counselling can help, the onus is still on you to put in the effort to overcome your grief. Nevertheless, counsellors can guide you toward self-care strategies to help you cope with and process your feelings after the funeral service. This includes simple, mindful practices such as maintaining a healthy diet and getting sufficient rest and exercise.
Reason #3: Remind yourself that there’s more than one way to grieve
Some choose to wallow in their grief because they feel this is the only way to honour their loved ones. They believe that if they are not sad enough or have not grieved for an appropriate time, they are doing it wrong. But the truth is, there is no “right” way to grieve.
Sometime after the funeral service, you may find that your grief has subsided. However, this does not mean that you are forgetting your loved ones and their impact on your life. A grief counsellor can help you recognise this fact and remind you that there is more than one way to grieve. Instead of moping about, it is better to replace your negative emotions with happy memories of the time you spent with the departed.
Reason #4: Reduce your anxiety, guilt, and depression
Feelings of guilt are common for the grief-stricken. You may feel guilty about what you did or did not do when your loved one was alive. This guilt, coupled with your grief, can easily overwhelm you. Without proper management, your feelings can spiral out of control, leading to depression. Fortunately, grief counselling can help you overcome these emotions and direct you toward the path to healing.
Everyone grieves in their own ways, and there is no fixed schedule for one’s grieving process. The most important thing is to remember that you are not alone. A grief counsellor can walk you through each stage of your grieving process, providing advice on how you can work through your issues and allowing you to grieve freely.
At Confidence Funeral Services, we understand that planning a funeral in the midst of the grieving process can be challenging. Therefore, you should consider hiring a funeral director to help ease your burden. They can play an invaluable role in arranging the funeral service, allowing you to focus on healing from your grief. Do not hesitate to contact us today if you require our funeral directors’ assistance.