Bereavement – how do we help?

What is Bereavement?

Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and grief following the death of a beloved person or animal

He was here yesterday – we had so much fun. He was here in the morning, and we were playing and laughing— I just got a call that my friend was dead—and Now – He is Gone??? My friend is dead!!! Dead for the world!!!! And I don’t know what to do!! Why do I feel so angry? Why do I have so many questions?” – A young friend.

This can happen to anyone. This might be one of the most painful experiences that one may go through. It will be hard to forget this terrible tragedy. Your memories of the departed friend or family- will not leave you- ever!!! It is extremely difficult when a loved one dies- it could be a friend or a family member. Some tell-tale signs of Grief / Bereavement

signs of Grief / Bereavement

• Apathy (loss of interest in usual activities)
• Anger (feels angry at the person who is dead, or holds others responsible for the persons death, angry at self for not being able to save the person)
• Loneliness / Isolation (looses interest in socializing and isolates self)
• Loss of appetite (does not feel hungry)
• Sadness ( at the loss)
• Tired ( no energy to do anything, being exhausted most of the time)
• Sleep pattern changes (Sleep can be affected either increase or decrease)
• Sometimes hearing voices or seeing the departed person

If you or your friends- have any of these physical symptoms of bereavement, and they do not improve gradually, & you are worried that something may be wrong- You or your friends- don’t have to suffer and fear about your own well-being, see a doctor.

Dr. Kamali. R. SampathKumar., M.B.B.S. (KMC, Mangalore), Dip. In AdTP (Canada) is a Consultant in Behavioural Disorders specializing in Concurrent Disorders at Kauvery Hospital Chennai. She can be contacted at 730588705 / 9952001587.  Email: drkamali@kauveryhospital.com

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801