How to Survive a Sibling's Death

This article will try to help you get past the loss of a sibling.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• patience and time
• good support group
• family and friends

1. The loss of a loved one is always hard. When it is someone close to you it is especially hard. When it is a brother or sister, it is like losing a piece of yourself with them. When my sister was murdered, I tried desperately to find any information about how long I would feel depressed, angry, and downright dreadful. I decided to write this article hoping it might help someone who like myself, lost a brother or sister. It won't speed up the grieving process or make you feel happy all of a sudden. But, it just might give you hope that someday you can be happy again. And the realization that there is someone else out there that hurt just like you.

2. They say there are five steps to the grieving process. In the death of a sibling (or other close family member) don't let anyone tell you, you are grieving too long. You should be over it by now, move on. You need to come to grips with the fact that you will be dealing with this loss in one way or another for your whole life. Don't let anyone make you feel like you are talking about your family member too much. Talk all you want as long as you want. If anyone doesn't want to listen amymore they can walk away. Talk about them often, about the good times. Don't stop yourself from talking about them or stop yourself from hurting. Don't try to numb the pain in some way, it only delays the inevitable pain you will feel.

3. Understand that you don't have to go through the 5 steps of grieving in the exact order that they are written down. You will go through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But, we all deal with grief differently and in our own time and way. I went through denial (and shock) straight away. Then I went through anger for a very long time. You might not realize what stage you are in until it is done. Most importantly, let yourself grieve.

4. Join a support group, there are people out there who are going through thet same thing as you. Lean on family and friends as much as possible. Let them know when your having a bad day. Don't withdraw from the world (though you will probably want to). Try to take solace in the fact that things do happen for a reason. Eventually you will probably be able to see the reason for even this. Until then, have hope, time does heal all wounds. You will be scarred, but healed.

[chrisanimelo444]

on 7/29/2009 Losing anyone you care about is tough. Great article. Very informative. 5*

[shenandoah]

on 7/29/2009 Thanks for sharing your personal tragedy and how you found ways to survive a sibling's death. This is a sensitive and thoughtful treatment of a difficult subject.

[strvnwritr]

on 7/29/2009 Good information for anyone facing the loss of a sibling.