There are ways to connect with family, near and far, during the grieving process, no matter where a loved one passes away. Here's how to manage grieving from a distance.
There are ways to connect with family, near and far, during the grieving process, no matter where a loved one passes away.
When someone we love passes away in another city, state or country, it’s common to feel alone. There are ways to connect to family members though so you can feel part of the grieving process.
Technology sometimes gets a bad rap. But when it comes to connecting from afar, it’s actually a valuable tool. Video calls and streaming software means that no matter where you are in the world, you can still connect with loved ones. So, when someone you care about passes away, you can still grieve together.
Of course, there are also things you can do to ensure you are listening to your emotions and grieving properly too.
Allow yourself to feel
Even though you are not physically with other people who are mourning, it doesn’t take away from the fact that you are grieving a loss too. You may be alone, but sometimes that may actually help, as you’re forced to really sit with your own emotions, and then process them properly. Don’t let yourself believe that your grief is any less just because you’re physically far away.
Engage in the rituals
Many families and faiths have certain rituals when they lose a loved one. Attending a funeral or service can help the grieving process, so not being able to be there may cause further distress. To help alleviate this, consider engaging with some rituals in your own space—these may help you feel close to others who are mourning the loss too. Things like lighting a candle, creating a memorial space, visiting a place of worship or having your own service can be a huge help.
Utilise technology
While you may not be able to physically be at a funeral, wake or service, nowadays, it’s widely accepted to either stream the services or ensure there is a Zoom or FaceTime link for those who can’t be there in person. If you’re very close to the person, consider asking a mutual friend or relative to share a story of yours at the service so you can be part of the formalities. Or even ask if you can FaceTime into the ceremony and read it yourself.
You can also utilise technology to create memorials so everyone can access it. Websites such as Forever Missed allow everyone to collaborate on a memorial page to share stories and memories of those they have lost.
Listening to your emotions, engaging in rituals that mean something to you and being connected to your loved ones via technology may help you find some form of closure, even from a distance.
If you can travel, attend the funeral
There are ways to attend the services if you are able to. Finances don’t need to be a barrier. In fact, Funeral Insurance may help cover travel expenses for loved ones who wish to be there in person with other family members to grieve together.
While there are ways to grieve from afar, nothing helps more than being in the comforting company of those who are grieving like you.
For many people, being able to be surrounded by their loved ones while they’re grieving not only helps them mourn, but it also provides a lot of comfort—emotionally, mentally and physically. Funeral Insurance may help ensure that everyone who needs to or wants to be physically at a service can be there.
When you lose a loved one, it’s common to consider your own circumstances, especially being able to grieve together with your loved ones. After all, it can make a difference to the overall emotional process.
If you’re considering taking out Funeral Insurance to help your family cover your funeral costs, and ensure they can be physically together to grieve, Insuranceline can help. Call 13 77 87 or get a quick quote online.
Important information
Cover under the Funeral Insurance Benefit is for Accidental Death only for the first 12 months of cover, including for any increases. Accidental Death has a special meaning in the PDS and some causes of death are excluded during this time—please refer to the PDS or call us for further details. After the first 12 months, the Funeral Insurance Benefit provides cover for all causes of death.
