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Dr. Virginia Rockhill
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End of Life Issues include dealing with a person’s own terminal illness or planning for the demise of a close relative. No one likes to deal with this subject but eventually we must at some point in our lives. Denial is an effective way to avoid the topic but usually is not productive. Very often when we are confronted with our own mortality or that of a loved one we begin to evaluate not only what needs to be accomplished, but what we have done thus far with our own lives. Depending on our state or mind, we may focus only on our shortcomings or failures and ignore the achievements and successes. If we do this, overwhelming sadness can occur which can prevent us from realizing our initial goal. A support system is essential at this time to help us stay focused on potentially unknown challenges. | Life Transitions | Death of a loved one is the highest stressor we can experience. Depending on our relationship with the deceased, our lives are usually forever changed. How we deal with grief can either help or hinder how we begin to carry on in our new lives. Grieving is different for everyone and there is no “normal” way in which to grieve. Based on what or who we are grieving and what the state of our mind and body are in at that time can determine the degree of sadness and the accompanying behaviors we may experience. Children grieve differently than adults do and people from different cultures, backgrounds and religions have varying expectations of grief. I believe that one thing is universal for all of us: grief is a normal part of the human experience and we should allow ourselves and others to grieve as long as it takes to complete the process. | Grief & Grieving | |
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