Losing a loved one is never easy. Even when the person’s death was expected, the reality of the loss can still be a shock. You may feel sad, angry, overwhelmed, or even all these things at once. On top of all of that, the number of tasks you may need to tackle in order to wrap up your loved one’s affairs can sometimes feel impossible.
Navigating both the emotional and the administrative aspects of a death requires a lot of patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to ask for help when it becomes necessary. The following tips can help guide you to process your grief in your own way.
Allow Space for Your Grief
Many people take on a lot of administrative tasks after a loved one has died because it distracts them from the grief they feel. Unfortunately, your grief will not disappear if you simply focus on your to-do list. If you try not to pay attention to your grief, it will probably manifest in other ways. You may feel physical symptoms such as nausea, bodily pains, or insomnia. Alternatively, you may experience irritability or a lack of focus.
It is important to give yourself space and time to allow your emotions to come up in the way they need to. You may expect the sadness that arises but may be surprised by experiences of guilt, fear, or anger. However, all these feelings are normal. Allow yourself to let them come and go and remember that going through grief is not a linear path.
Get Organized
While keeping yourself busy may be a way of avoiding emotions, it can nevertheless be helpful to keep yourself organized. This does not mean always having something to do, but rather keeping a list of tasks so that you know what to prioritize and sharing that list with friends or family who might be willing to help.
Sometimes, just setting your tasks down onto a page can help you feel less overwhelmed than if you keep your to-do list in your head.
Join a Support Group
After losing someone important to you, it is easy to think there is nobody in the world who could possibly understand how you are feeling. Joining a support group can connect you with others who have had similar experiences, which can be more comforting than you might imagine.
Ask for Help
Some people tend to withdraw from others when they are experiencing grief. While small amounts of alone time can be helpful, connecting with people you care about is crucial during these painful days.
Furthermore, working with a therapist can be particularly helpful during times of grief. Not only will they have the skills to help you move through the process, but they are also a neutral party who is not also grieving the same loss that you are.
If you have a lot of administrative responsibilities regarding your loved one’s estate, and especially if you are serving as the executor, don’t forget that you are allowed to ask people you trust for help with the jobs that need to be done.
Contact a Tampa Probate Attorney
Working with a Tampa probate attorney is a helpful way of ensuring that all the necessary administrative tasks can be accounted for and completed. This can take a lot of the pressure off, which can provide you with the time and space you need to honor your grief.
This is the piece of the puzzle where our firm may be of assistance to you. If you need help closing out your loved one’s estate so that you can focus on your emotional needs, we are here to offer you guidance and support. Simply contact our firm at (813) 438-8503 to schedule an appointment.