Preparing to lose a loved one is a challenging situation in life. The problem can cause confusion, sadness, and anger. There are different stages of grief, but they do not happen linearly. The emotions can be inconsistent; however, having these feelings is normal. When this happens, it is essential to practice self-advocacy skills to seek support from family and friends. Having a support group helps with the grief process and being resilient. Therefore, here are vital resources and activities that may be helpful for family members who are in the process of losing a loved one:
- Engage in self-care by doing activities that you find enjoyable. It may be exercising or doing a favorite hobby. It is important to enjoy the good times and memories you experienced with your loved one going through the last stages of life. Engaging in storytelling releases oxytocin in the body. Oxytocin is known as the love hormone, which helps to bond and heal.
- Have a candid conversation about what your loved one wishes to do after he/she passes away. It can be a difficult conversation, but it is necessary to know your loved one’s wishes. If necessary, it may be crucial to seek legal advice from an attorney that can guide you through this process.
- Seek support from a therapist to help you process the grief that you are experiencing. If you need support in this area, please contact me.
Lastly, feel free to look at this link for additional resources regarding grief and loss. Remember, you must practice self-kindness during this difficult time in your loved one’s life, yours, and your family.