Is it Wrong to Cry?

When a loved one or friend dies, it is only natural for you to give way to grieve – and for you to cry.

Tears are therapeutic in more ways than most of us realize. They give us an emotional outlet, providing us with specific physical action that we can perform. At the realization that a friend or relative is gone, tears may come easily for both adult and child – and this is good!

Most people do not need encouragement to cry, since it is so natural to weep in sorrow. It is not unmasculine to cry at the death of a loved one or a dear friend. It’s a misconception that ‘big boy’s shouldn’t cry’. This is all a part of the ‘stiff upper lip’ and ‘grin and bear it’. If there is an emotional hurt, then the pain should be recognized, acknowledged, and expressed – in this case, through tears.
 

The Five Stages of Grief

Undoubtedly, the best known description of the emotional and psychological responses to life threatening illnesses are listed below, as recorded by Elizabeth Kubler Ross:

Denial – When confronted with the truth caused by death or loss people tend to respond with avoidance or denial of the truth.

Anger – Even after the predicament has been acknowledged, there is generally anger, vulnerability, and dependency.

Bargaining – or attempting to strike a deal with fate or God is yet another common response.

Depression – as the situation of illness or death becomes more apparent, and reality sets in, a sense of loss and depression is common.

Acceptance – At a point following depression, people come to acknowledge and accept the situation they have been placed in, and are more able to explore more productive ways of dealing with changed circumstances.
 

Where Can I Get Helpful Information
to Help Me Understand My Loss?

Most funeral homes and funeral directors have access to a wide array of helpful information with regard to people dealing with a loss, whether it be the result of a sudden loss or a prolonged illness prior to the death.

Information booklets that are professionally prepared by leading authors specializing in grief therapy or counseling are available for various age groups, whether it be for children, regarding the loss of a grandparent, for older children or teens, dealing with the loss of a friend, or adults who are dealing with the loss of a family member, spouse, or friend.

In addition to booklets, your funeral director can put you in touch with several organizations that can be of assistance