After the loss of a loved one—whether they passed away suddenly or died after a long battle with illness—your life changes significantly. Disbelief, sadness, anger and anxiety can all take a toll on your emotional life. Grief can also disrupt your sleep or impact your appetite, both of which may further impact your health during an already difficult time.
The emotional and physical strain of grief may leave you wondering how to take the next steps in your life without your loved one by your side.
What steps can you take to manage your grief?
While your life will not be the same as it was before, it is possible to regain some sense of normalcy after the death of a loved one. The American Psychological Association recommends a few strategies for moving forward after a difficult loss:
- Accept feelings associated with grief, but work with a mental health professional if those feelings become overwhelming.
- Remember the happy times with your loved one.
- Take care of your physical need for sleep, food and exercise.
- Reach out to friends, family and colleagues for support, and support others where possible.
Is it possible for grieving people to ease the stress of probate?
The loss of a loved one can be particularly difficult for those navigating the probate process. This process can add stress to an already difficult time and may create conflict in the process. However, distributing a person’s estate after they have passed away can offer closure to grieving loved ones and provide them with treasured mementos of their lost loved one.
For many people, working with an experienced attorney during the probate process can help decrease the stress of this process and help them ensure that their loved one’s wishes are respected.