Working Through the Grieving Process: Losing a Mom
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer. Losing a loved one is never easy, whether it is a child suffering from a terminal illness or an elderly relative who passes due to old age; however, losing a mother is particularly difficult given the role that our parents play in our lives. There are stages of grief that everyone should understand while they process the loss of a loved one.
Stage One: Denial
When someone is processing the loss of a loved one, such as in an auto accident, the first stage is denial. Sometimes, people’s emotions take over and they refuse to accept that something awful has happened. While it is challenging for someone to go through this phase on their own, it is even more difficult when loved ones are refusing to accept what has happened. In this situation, it is important to remain calm and patient while the denial passes.
Stage Two: Anger
The second stage is an angry response, particularly if the loved one was lost in a drunk driving accident or as a result of a product liability situation. Anger is a natural response when someone is lost prematurely and may show many of the symptoms of PTSD. Nobody should bottle up their emotions but instead allow the anger to vent in an appropriate manner. It can be helpful to talk through the emotions with a local Sacramento grief counselor.
Stage Three: Bargaining
The next stage is bargaining. Loved ones may try to bargain in the open with those around them, with a medical professional, or even with a mental health professional. They may believe that if they act or behave in a certain manner, their loved one will come back. Simply remember that this is another stage of the grieving process and, while it may appear unusual, it will pass.
Stage Four: Depression
Feeling down and depressed over the death of a loved one is natural, particular after an unexpected accident or sudden death. Watch for signs of someone verbally wanting to hurt themselves or others, they may need an urgent referral to a mental health professional in Sacramento. This is important for their own safety and for the safety of those around them.
Stage Five: Acceptance
The final stage is ultimate acceptance of what happened. With time, the final acceptance will arrive, bringing the grieving process to a peaceful conclusion. While the grieving process may never end, it will get easier.
Related Articles by Ed Smith ~
- Wrongful Death FAQ
- Coping With Grief
- GRIEF: Death of a Loved One
- Damages Recoverable by a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Contact a Compassionate Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer. If you have lost your mother in a wrongful death accident, please contact me at (916) 921-6400 for friendly, free advice. Anyone calling from outside of the local Sacramento area should feel free to use my toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.
I am a proud member of the California Chapter of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This forum consists of attorneys who have been rated among the top trial lawyers in the country. Every member of our group has settled cases or won verdicts in excess $1 Million Dollars.
Some of my verdicts and settlements can be viewed here.
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