On May 29th, the United States commemorates Memorial Day, a day in which we honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. However, in addition to honoring their sacrifice, it is also important to reflect on the deep pain that afflicts those who have lost a loved one in war conflicts. The loss of a family member in such circumstances leaves a very deep emotional wound, and time, support, and resources are required to overcome the trauma and find healing.
Undoubtedly, one of the most difficult moments in life to face is the death of a loved one. We take for granted that the people we love will always be by our side, and there are no manuals that can tell us how to act in such a painful situation.
In this process of facing and overcoming the pain caused by the loss of a family member, we all react differently, and we may face two scenarios: one is that of those who crumble and surrender to the pain, and the other is that of those who manage to emerge stronger from this situation. At this point, the following factors are crucial:
– The willingness to allow oneself to experience pain and move towards growth.
– The sense of support in the world.
– The willingness to learn from others.
Processing the pain and moving on with life after the loss of a family member can take months, and it may take longer for some people than for others. In this case, it is recommended to seek the help of a mental health professional.
6 strategies that help overcome the loss of a family member
Although the grieving process is different for everyone, the following guidelines can be useful in managing emotions in the best possible way after the loss of a family member in a war conflict. Read carefully.
1. Recognize and validate the pain:Â
The loss of a family member in a war conflict can generate a mix of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and despair. It is essential to recognize and validate these feelings. Allow yourself to feel the pain and grief, and do not judge yourself.
2. Do not face the pain and trauma alone:Â
Seeking support from family, friends, and mental health professionals is necessary. Sharing your thoughts and emotions with understanding people can help you process the pain and find comfort.
3. Leave room for positive feelings:Â
While facing feelings such as sadness and regret, anger or confusion, it is possible that feelings such as gratitude for the love we receive or relief for the kindness that others have shown may also arise. Allow yourself to feel them.
4. Self-care is essential for healing:Â
Dedicate time to activities that bring you calm and well-being. Taking care of your body and mind will help you maintain the strength necessary to overcome trauma.
5. Seek professional help:Â
Facing trauma from the loss of a family member in a war conflict can be overwhelming, and you may need professional help. Therapists specializing in trauma and grief can provide you with tools that will help you address the pain in a healthy way and develop emotional resilience.
6. Remember your loved one:Â
On Memorial Day and other significant moments, honoring and remembering your loved one in a way that is comforting to you allows you to maintain an emotional connection and find comfort in the connection that still exists. You can visit their grave, create an altar with photographs and meaningful objects, or participate in commemorative events.
The loss of a family member is perhaps one of the most intense pains that we as human beings experience, but we generally do not talk about these feelings and the grieving process because we avoid talking about death. Keep these guidelines in mind to learn how to live with the loss of a family member.
Pay special attention to children
Just as adults are affected by the loss of a family member, children also experience various emotions, although they often do not openly talk about them. Changes in behavior, poor academic performance, and inability to get along with others are some warning signs.
If you want to provide special support to the youngest members of the family, it is important that you pay attention to the following guidelines:
– Listen to them without judging them.
– Show your affection.
– Avoid minimizing their concerns.
– Avoid transferring your own fears to them.
– Explain to them that everything will pass and transmit hope.
– Teach them by example to develop resilience.
Dealing with the loss of a family member is not something that should be assumed alone. Helping each other and sharing anecdotes about that special person can be very helpful in overcoming the pain.
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In pain, feed your spirit
Believing gives us hope, and when we stop believing, we lose that hope. When we have difficult moments, it is important to work on faith. Today, I invite you to feed your mind spiritually every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Creating this habit will help you strengthen hope for when moments of pain come.
If you analyze your life, you will realize that after pain comes great growth. Although the loss of a family member can fill us with pain, it can also help us renew our purpose and change the direction of our lives.
Today, I invite you to listen to my podcast, where you will find a series of reflections that can help you feed your soul, grow spiritually, and not lose hope after difficult times.
