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Tips List
For Seniors Who
Are Grieving
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There
is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to grieve. Grief has many dimensions
and is different for each individual.
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Look for
help that suits your needs and temperament: church, support
group, books, the Internet.
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If after
six months you're still unable to function in daily life,
you may need professional help. Signs of depression include
marked change in appetite and/or sleep patterns; loss of energy,
interest and pleasure in things; feelings of worthlessness
or hopelessness; inability to concentrate; irrational or obsessive
thoughts; suicidal thoughts. These can be part of normal grieving,
but if they persist, seek help.
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Find out
what helps you work through grief: reading books or poetry,
keeping a diary or journal, talking out loud or writing a
letter to the person who died, physical activity, such as
punching a pillow or beating a rug, talking about your spouse
with those who knew him/her.
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Postpone
major lifestyle decisions until you feel strong enough to
make them.
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Recognize
that the death of a spouse can revive unresolved grief from
long ago -- the death of a parent, perhaps, or an infant child.
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Anticipate
difficult times - holidays, birthdays, anniversaries - and
plan how to deal with rekindled memories and feelings.
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Let others
know how they can help and accept help when it's offered.
  
A special thank
you to the people of:
Division
of Aging and Seniors,
Health Canada
Address locator: 1908A1 Ottawa, ON K1A 1B4
Tel.: 613-952-7606 Fax : 613-957-7627
E-mail: seniors@hc-sc.gc.ca
for
permission to reprint this article on www.thefuneraldirectory.com.
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