How to Deal with the Loss of a Parent

The loss of a parent is a horrible thing for anyone to endure. My father passed away three and a half years ago from Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). Right after my loss, I did a lot of research trying to discover ways to get passed my grief. Dealing with the loss of a parent is different for everyone. A young child will react differently than an adult when faced with the loss of a parent. I dealt with my loss as an adult with children of my own. While dealing with my loss, I found that grieving is very similar in most people.

Here are a few things to help you deal with the loss of a parent.

Time- People say that time heals all. I feel that time doesn't actually heal but it definitely can help lessen the pain of lossing a parent. For months after losing my dad I would break down in tears at the drop of a hat. Anything that reminded me of him would cause tears. Eventually as time passed the moments of despair lessened and didn't arrive as frequently. So time does help.

Break Down- When faced with the loss of a parent there is nothing more natural than to shed tears. Sometimes it may take a few days for the reality of your loss to hit you. You may be very busy dealing with the funeral and all of the arrangements that go with it but when things settle down and you finally have time to realize that you have indeed lost your parent, most people will break down. I have found that this is something my body needed to do when dealing with the loss of my parent. Go ahead and cry or scream. It will make you feel a little better in the end.

Turn To Loved Ones- Sometimes it is easier to grieve the loss of a parent when you do so with a loved one who is dealing with the same loss. Your family and friends can be a great support during this time in your life. If you have siblings that are enduring the same parental loss, lean on each other. You need them and they need you. Your family knows what you are feeling since they are probably feeling the same emotions.