After a loved one dies suddenly, you may not know how to handle all the emotions. As you deal with the immediate aftermath of your loved one’s death, it is important to make sure you know how to cope with the situation.

When a loved one dies wrongfully, you may want to ignore your feelings and focus on righting the wrong. According to HelpGuide.org, your feelings of sorrow do not go away if you ignore them. Because of this, it is a good idea to recognize the signs of grief so you can deal with them as they emerge.

What does grief look like?

As you grieve a loved one, you may experience numerous symptoms. You might have physical symptoms, such as insomnia and fatigue. Sometimes you may also get sick more easily or feel nauseated. Additionally, you may experience emotional symptoms. You may feel angry and guilty when your loved one’s death was wrongful. You might also feel like you are in shock.

How long does grief last?

You may want to finish grieving by the time you resolve the situation that led to your loved one’s wrongful death. However, grief usually does not have a time limit. You may find that rectifying the situation helps with the grieving process. You may also learn that you grieve more once you no longer have something to focus on. It is a good idea to be patient with yourself and remember that each person experiences grief for different amounts of time.

How should you handle grief?

Sometimes you may feel better if you talk to other people about how you feel. You might want to attend a support group or talk to your friends and family members. Your grieving process might also involve writing in a journal or putting together a photo album. Additionally, it is a good idea to recognize and accept your feelings and remember that your grieving process will look different from other people’s.