From the author: Recommendations for those who are faced with grief. Many people who have suffered the loss of a loved one may feel that they have no meaning to live, and do not know how to free themselves from this unbearable pain. In most cases, the sense of meaning in life gradually returns, and the pain gradually subsides. But some are haunted by a feeling of guilt for not being able to protect and save their loved one. Or they didn't pay enough attention to him. A constant feeling of guilt haunts them; they cannot lead their usual lifestyle. A person may become embittered, withdraw into himself, and begin to seek solace in alcohol, smoking, and other doping drugs. If you have such feelings, do not keep them to yourself, share your experiences, talk about them with those you trust. You need professional help from a psychologist, if you experience strong anger for a long time, do not want to communicate with other people, you think that you will never get over this. Rates of Complicated Grief Reaction Minimal Risk. The grief reaction is normal. Feelings are expressed openly. There is support from family and friends. The ability to identify problems and look for ways to solve them is preserved. Medium risk. The grief reaction occurs with complications: - signs of depression appear, - the person consciously avoids outside help, - constantly feels guilty before the deceased, - sleep is disturbed. High risk. The grief reaction is difficult: - eccentric (rude, harsh) behavior, - increasing depression, - threats or even attempts at suicide, - drug or alcohol abuse, - mental coldness (erasing the emotional manifestations of grief), - persistent insomnia. How you can help yourself: Don't run away from your feelings. Cry if you want. What happened was a real tragedy. It must be felt in order to be experienced. Do what brings you joy. Go to a movie or a concert, meet friends and acquaintances, plan a trip. Listen to music, take a walk, find a new hobby - this will help you relax. Be especially careful when using medications and alcohol. This will not cure your grief. Talk to others about what you want to say. Often people you know want to help you, but for ethical reasons they are embarrassed to take the first step. Share your experiences with them. Don't worry about saying something wrong - just say what's on your heart. It is very useful to communicate with people who have experienced a similar loss of a loved one. Normally, the grief reaction lasts about a year. After this time, a person’s experiences of loss are gradually replaced by “light” sadness, he begins to make plans for the future, and optimism appears. We live in very difficult times. Be attentive to your loved ones, they need your support. I hope the recommendations in this article will be useful to you..