Losing a parent is one of the hardest things that one can go through. To some, it comes out of the blue while some might have been expecting it for a while now. Whichever may be the case, you can never really prepare yourself for it. 

Losing a parent is like losing a part of yourself, forever. The pain and trauma cannot be explained in words. It is devastating, to say the least. 

Here’s what you must do 

If you have lost a parent recently, it is understandable that you might be in the darkest place right now. However, you must understand, you must believe that at the end of the day, you will heal from this. Here are a few things to do in such a delicate time – 

• Give yourself time. You have just experienced a devastating, traumatic episode. There is no need to rush yourself through it or forcefully try to put it behind you. Give yourself some time to absorb what has happened. Feel your emotions. Cry, scream, shout – don’t bottle it up. 
• Talk to a loved one. It is in times like this when we need to rely on our loved ones – friends and family. Talk to someone you trust. Share what you are feeling. It will help you ease off the burden and give you a different perspective as well. 
• Take care of yourself. Just take each day as it comes right now. No need to push yourself. Focus on eating, sleeping, and staying hydrated. That is all you need to do right now to take care of yourself.
• Remind yourself that some things are beyond your control. Yes, despite the advancements that we have made as a human race, we must acknowledge that there are some things beyond our control and, death, is one of them. There is nothing that you and I can do about it.  

Please, seek therapy 

There is no standard period for healing from such an experience. It might take someone a few weeks while some people might need a few months. And, some people might never completely heal from it. Maybe all of us, never heal from it, we just get better at living with it. 

However, if you (or, your loved one) feel that you have been in a dark space for a long time now and are no closer to healing than yesterday – please, seek therapy. If you have done everything possible, from all those self-care tips to talking to friends and family, now is the time to seek professional help. 

There is no need to shy away from it. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you will be on the road to healing and leaving a better, happier life. 

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