When Grief Takes You By Surprise

Published: April 18, 2016, 10:17 p.m.

Have you ever experienced a loved one\u2019s untimely death? Did you ever have trouble getting through the various stages of grief? Grief is a normal part of loss, but left untreated, grief can lead to major issues.

There\u2019s a fine line between grief and depression. Have you ever experienced bereavement that was more intense than general feelings of grief?

If you want to know more about how to cope when grief takes you by surprise, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who shares what help is available for the Grief can affect your emotional state, cognitive health, and ability to function in general. This interview is an opportunity to learn how to keep moving forward after a loved one\u2019s passing.

Why Grief Isn\u2019t the Same for Everyone

The episode kicks off with Valerie explaining why grief isn\u2019t the same for everyone. She also shares some misconceptions about the stages of grief.

Then Valerie discusses some of the places where people might go to learn about grief and reminds that there\u2019s no right or wrong way to grieve a loved one lost.

Grief does not discriminate and affects people of all ages, races, and creeds. Fortunately resources exist in the Vancouver area to help you overcome grief.

Things that Contribute to a Person\u2019s Grief

Next Valerie discusses the factors that contribute to how you feel when grief takes you by surprise. During the podcast she also answers questions like these:

- How does my relationship to the deceased affect my grief?
- Could someone\u2019s manner of death impact how I grieve?
- What can I do if I have trouble moving past feelings of grief?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Am I grieving right now? Do I know someone else who is having trouble overcoming grief? If you answered \u201cyes\u201d to either or both questions, then this podcast may have information that can help.

Resources for Those Who Cannot Overcome Grief

Then Valerie explains all the ways grief can hurt. It can feel like grief takes over your life. She also reviews ways people might try to buffer the pain associated with grief.

If the course of grief is overtaking your daily existence, then you might find it helpful to talk to someone. The staff at Martin Brothers is available to listen if you\u2019re ever in need of this service.

Valerie then draws on personal experiences to demonstrate some of the things she might say to someone who needs more help beyond a listening ear.

The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about when grief takes you by surprise, including a reminder that grief isn\u2019t exclusive to the topic of death.

Do You Want to Learn More about Overcoming Grief?

Could you use information about overcoming grief? Do you want to know what options you have when grief takes you by surprise? After you listen to the podcast, share your questions and thoughts below where we can discuss them with you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1