Ambiguous Grief and How to Deal With It

By: Myles O'Riordan
Friday, January 28, 2022

Human beings are capable of experiencing sadness in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. The most understandable form of grief is that produced by the loss of a loved one. Death is the end, and those who are grieving gradually find some way to continue living their lives. Occasionally, though, the result and solutions are not as apparent. We, at Wagg Funeral Home, know how important it is to deal with grief that isn't clear. Here are a few helpful hints:

What Is Ambiguous Grief?

If there is no closure or resolution, ambiguous mourning develops. There is no body that you can bury or ashes you can preserve in an urn. Whether a loved one is still alive or their whereabouts are still a mystery, this type of grieving affects the bereaved. It could occur due to many different things such as:

  • Because of mental decline, the individual is physically there, but their soul and spirit are far removed
  • The individual is in a deep coma and does not appear to be improving.
  • The person is gone, and their family and friends have no indication where they are.
  • The individual has willingly departed and has chosen not to retain touch.
  • People seem unable to mourn effectively due to the lack of closure in this type of loss. They are unable to go on because they are stuck in a state of denial.

How To Deal With Ambiguous Grief

The first objective is to define and acknowledge your sentiments. You must give it a name and consider its impact on you. The next phase is to seek therapy or to engage with a support system to help you cope with the situation better. Very importantly, value the things you have and the people that love you.

If you need any additional information, feel free to call us and speak with a funeral director at Wagg Funeral Home. We can help you preplan a funeral and with information about the different services available.

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