ASK ANU: How do I deal with loss of a loved one?

How does one deal with the loss of someone they love?

Since the pandemic began last year, most of us have had to deal with the death of a family member, a dear friend or a colleague.

Weeks after the person has passed, strong emotions and several unanswered questions continue to bother us.

"Everyone deals with grief in a different way," says Anu Krishna, a mental health expert and NLP (neuro linguistic programming) trainer.

In this edition of our self-help series, she tells us how to cope with grief and loss and how to seek expert help.

Interview: Divya Nair/Rediff.com
Videos: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Most often, people don't know how to deal with the sudden death of a loved one.

Nor do they know how to console someone in this moment of grief and loss.

It is common for well-wishers to say things like: 'Tum rote kyu nahi ho? (Why aren't you crying/grieving?)'

Anu's advice is: "Respect their privacy. Give people time (to grieve)."

You must have often heard this bit of advice: 'Time is the best healer.'

But can you really forget someone so easily?

According to Anu, 'unsolicited advice' like this can sometimes actually do more harm than good.

What happens when you haven't had physical closure? When you haven't met the person before they passed away?

How does one deal with guilt that follows? Or the sense of pity that can sometime engulf you? Anu has some answers.

It's very common to externalise blame, feels Anu. After that, you reach a stage of denial.

"Use social media to express your feelings; try writing a journal," says Anu as she shares self-help tips.

How does one explain death to children? Anu shares some practical advice:

Finally, what are the appropriate ways to check on a person who has lost someone dear? Anu tells you how you can help.

Disclaimer: All content and media herein is written and published online for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be relied on as your only source for advice.

Please always seek the guidance of your doctor or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Do not ever disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read herein.

If you believe you may have a medical or mental health emergency, please call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services or emergency helplines immediately. If you choose to rely on any information provided herein, you do so solely at your own risk.

Opinions expressed herein cannot necessarily provide advice to fit the exact specifics of the issues of the person requesting advice.

Disclaimer: All content and media herein is written and published online for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be relied on as your only source for advice.

Please always seek the guidance of your doctor or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Do not ever disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read herein.

If you believe you may have a medical or mental health emergency, please call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services or emergency helplines immediately. If you choose to rely on any information provided herein, you do so solely at your own risk.

Opinions expressed herein cannot necessarily provide advice to fit the exact specifics of the issues of the person requesting advice.