When a child dies, parents mourn and begin the long process of bereavement. Those who have had a child die often immediately experience shock, numbness, denial, and disbelief, all of which act as a cushion against the full impact of the loss. As time passes and these emotions wear off, others emerge, including guilt, anger, loneliness, despair, sadness, and regret. These feelings are all part of the emotional reaction called grief and may be so overwhelming that parents often do not understand what they are experiencing.

Parents approach this emotional process in different ways. Some express their grief easily and openly, while others keep their feelings locked inside. While there is no right way in which to grieve, many bereaved parents have found it helpful to have some guidance along the way. The following information has been prepared by parents who have themselves experienced the death of a child.

Grief, with its many peaks and valleys, lasts far longer than society recognizes. When your child dies, grief is not over in a week, a month, or even a year. Expectations others may have of you should not be a guideline for your own progress. Be patient with yourself. You’ve been through a lot.

Because each person’s grief is different, don’t expect that you and your spouse will travel this journey at the same speed or in the same way. Be tolerant of the different approaches your spouse and other family members may take.

Some of the common emotions experienced by bereaved parents:

The emotional loss of grief often manifests itself in physical ways. Parents may sleep for only a few hours each night, if at all. Feeling tired, walking in a fog, long- and short-term memory loss, and an inability to concentrate are not uncommon. Sleep deprivation and the extreme stress of the situation often lead to the feeling that you are losing it, but this is a normal psychological reaction.

At this time, a balanced diet, rest, and moderate exercise are especially important. Crying also has been proven to have a healing effect and should not be stifled because of societal views.

It is especially important to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol in hopes of making the pain go away. Prescription medication should be taken sparingly and only under the supervision of a physician. Many substances are addictive and may lead to a chemical dependence that stops or delays the necessary grieving process.

When a child has died, parents are often faced with decisions affecting the future. Bereaved parents often consider changing jobs or moving away, falsely believing that they will feel better if they make a change. Hold off on major decisions until the time is right. When you move, you may lose the very support system you need the most.

Do not be rushed or forced into doing things by others who may be well-meaning but misinformed. Cleaning out a child’s room and belongings is very personal. Some find it a natural part of the bereavement process that helps in coping with the loss. Smelling a child’s clothes, for instance, can bring a feeling of nearness. Others may find it impossible to tackle this job. If that is the case, ask for help, but only if you are certain you need it.

All too many professionals believe divorce is almost a certainty after a child has died. The reality is that unless a marriage already has problems, the death of a child is more likely to foster a stronger bond than existed before as husband and wife reach out to each other for support in this shared experience. However, it still takes work and the understanding that everyone grieves differently.

Surviving siblings are often referred to as the “forgotten mourners” because so much attention is placed on the parents. Make certain your surviving children understand this is a shared family experience, and try to include them in all family plans and decisions. Siblings should never be made to feel less important because parents are concentrating so much on the child who died. Frank and open communication is the key to keeping the family together. Assure surviving children that you recognize they are grieving too and that you love them just as much as the child who died. Appropriate grieving on your part will act as a guide for them and confirm their own feelings.

Parents may feel they have nothing to live for and thus think about a release from the intense pain. Many parents do feel this way, but be assured that a sense of purpose and meaning does return and the pain does lessen.

Support is necessary to work through this time while you are finding the new you and while the family dynamics change. Let others cook the meals, take the children to school, help around the house. Give yourself space to do the hard work of grieving.

Reexamining priorities and even questioning belief structures is not abnormal. See what you can do about arranging additional time off from work. Plan ahead how you will handle special days such as anniversary dates and holidays. Often the day is easier than the dread that leads up to it.

While professional help may be needed, many parents do turn to support groups such as The Compassionate Friends, finding hope and comfort by sharing their story with others and being able to speak the child’s name without fear of others turning away when the tears do come. Sharing eases loneliness and allows expression of grief in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.

Every parent will have to find his or her own road through grief, but you will survive. You need not walk alone.