Chapter 2 Your Family 49
Some sicknesses, however, can become chronic, which means they
continue for a long time. They can also be life threatening. Disabilities caused
by accidents or illnesses may become permanent.
Family members will need to make adjustments to cope with the health
crisis. Parents may have to change their work schedules so they can be
home to provide care. Children may need to do more chores or spend more
time watching younger siblings. Financial difficulties may arise due to high
costs of medical bills. Family members may need to cut expenses.
A life-threatening illness or permanent disability may cause family
members to feel worried, helpless, sad, frustrated, or depressed. It is important
for family members to offer love and comfort to one another during this
diffi cult time.
Family members may also receive support outside the family. Relatives,
friends, or neighbors may provide meals or run errands. People who are going
through similar experiences can offer advice and encouragement. Doctors or
other organizations can provide information that might help the family to
better understand the illness or disability. Families can then work together to
provide the type of care needed.
Death
Very few people of any age are comfortable talking about death. Just like
birth, death is a part of the life cycle. Death can happen to anyone at any time
or any age.
It is natural to feel grief, or emotions such as sadness, loss, anger, and
guilt, when someone you know or love dies, 2-14. These feelings are hard
to overcome.
There are ways you can help ease the pain you feel about someone’s
death. You can accept the comfort of friends and the sympathy of the people
around you. Special support services available through schools, religious
organizations, or counseling services may be a source of comfort. Everyone
deals with death differently. Your
friends and family may want to
comfort you in times like these.
Others will not know what to do or
say. Either way, it is okay to express
your feelings when someone you
know or love dies, 2-15. Talking
about the deceased loved one will
help you deal with the loss. Talk
about the sadness you feel. Cry if
you feel like it. This is a normal
reaction. Discuss the positive traits
of the person. Recall happy times
and events you shared together.
Soon you will begin to accept that
the person has passed. Then the
healing process can begin.
Stages of Grief
• Denial—refusing to believe the person is leaving you
• Anger—directed at the person for leaving you or at
others for not understanding your feelings of loss
• Bargaining—trying to negotiate with the person who
is leaving; for instance, promising to do whatever the
other person wants to save the relationship
• Depression—feeling sad and lonely and not
wanting to be around others
• Acceptance—understanding that relationships
change and that change is part of the life cycle
2-14 Most people go through a pattern of the stages
of grief when a death or other loss occurs.
Discuss
Refl ect
Enrich
Discuss