Saturday 09-10-2021 – Bereavement

I am Vimal Sheth, a 41-year-old chartered accountant. My younger brother Sunil, 37 died from a road accident before 5 months leaving behind his wife Sunita, 34 years old and a son Ruchir, 8 years old. Today, even after this much time Sunita seems to be mourning for him. Even though I know the impact of this loss on her, I am unable to help her overcome this grief. Does she require any medical help? What type of changes should I expect in her?

Bereavement reactions involve alteration in feeling states, coping strategies, interpersonal relationships, social functioning and self-esteem. It depends on the individual’s personality, previous life experiences, the significance of the loss, the nature of the relationship, the existing social network, intercurrent life events and other resources. There are 3 overlapping phases that Sunita may be going through or has gone through in this process. There is an initial shock and denial phase. Here disbelief and numbness predominate. The funeral, gathering of relatives and friends and other mourning rites help to accept the loss in a supportive environment.