Human nature drives the construction of affective relationships (Colminas, n.d.), which are characterized by the emotional exchange that manifests itself among the individuals that make them up, once the bond is established (Zurita, 2018). In correspondence with Zurita (2018), the intensity of this exchange is the most determinant component for the depth of affective relationships, although other characteristics also influence.
Death as a Natural Process
The acceptance of death as a natural and normal process in life is an attitude that only very few people adopt, who probably enjoy greater happiness (Guerri, 2021). The reason for this is that death represents an unknown step in human existence and only those who have lived a near-death experience can affirm that it is a pleasant feeling. Thus, these people who once came close to perishing, share the same perception of a pleasant sensation (Guerri, 2021). However, according to Viéitez (2012), this does not eliminate the fact that death is, undoubtedly, the most important and difficult event to face in human life.
Grief in the Death Process
The death of a close friend or relative is one of the biggest challenges that human life can present (American Psychological Association, 2012). This implies facing a flood of painful feelings and thoughts that require time and adaptation to be assimilated (Viéitez, 2012). This feeling that invades individuals in the face of the loss of a loved one is called "grief", and it is a natural and necessary process (Guerri, 2021). In short, grief is an adaptive response that has an expected and necessary place in the face of death (Viéitez, 2012). In correspondence with Guerri (2021), it is essential to understand and accept the emotions regarding death in order to internalize the belief that it is a natural process in life and that its meaning is more related to renewal and beginning than to the end or punishment.
The death of a loved one initially causes a state of shock in the person, who faces the new situation with violence or excessive calm, depending on the case, due to emotional drowsiness (Viéitez, 2012). After this phase, the person experiences a state of restlessness and anxiety and, in many cases, feelings of guilt for situations or events that were pending in life and that were not resolved. After the loss, depression occurs in many occasions. And, according to Viéitez (2012), the pain will gradually decrease until the usual life is recovered.
During the grieving process for death, it is important to support the person so that they share the moment and lighten the burdens (Viéitez, 2012). Therefore, family and friends are essential to cope with the difficult moments to assimilate. Also, resources such as painting, writing or photography are forms of expression that release emotions and relieve the weight of the tragedy. Likewise, through pets or support groups on social networks, moments can be lived in which the feelings and thoughts are more bearable and easy to explain and share. Finally, in accordance with Viéitez (2012), it should be noted that professional help is another alternative to fully achieve emotional balance.
References
Asociación Americana de Psicología. (2012). El duelo: Cómo sobrellevar la muerte de un ser querido. https://www.apa.org. Recuperado 1 September 2021, a partir de https://www.apa.org/topics/families/duelo
Colminas, A. El duelo: afrontando la pérdida de un ser querido. Psicologiaymente.com. Recuperado 1 September 2021, a partir de https://psicologiaymente.com/psicologia/duelo-afrontando-perdida
Guerri, M. (2021). Muerte y duelo, un proceso natural. PsicoActiva. Recuperado 1 September 2021, a partir de https://www.psicoactiva.com/blog/muerte-y-duelo/
Viéitez, S. (2012). Asumir la muerte y su duelo. La Mente es Maravillosa. Recuperado 1 September 2021, a partir de https://lamenteesmaravillosa.com/asumir-la-muerte-y-su-duelo/
Zurita, G. (2018). DUELO: Qué es y qué etapas tiene. Instituto Galene. Recuperado 1 September 2021, a partir de https://galene.es/duelo/que-es-el-duelo-las-etapas-del-duelo/
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