Does Time Heal The Wound Of Child Loss?

One of the questions a newly grieving parent may ask is when does it get better? There is no answer to that question because grief is different for everyone. I don't have to tell you that as a loving parent, you are always going to carry a measure of grief for your child. It will be woven into your life and you will learn to carry it. There are many factors that may influence the intensity and duration of heavy grief.

• Every relationship between a parent and child is different, even within the same family.

• The cause of death may have caused trauma or PTSD.

• Not having the chance to say goodbye can be very distressful.

• Financial circumstances may not allow to take time out for the necessary processing of the death.

• A lack of emotional support may cause suppression of emotions. This can happen when a family member is trying to be strong for everyone else, or in the case of a step-parent, family or friends not understanding the intense grief.

• Religious or cultural backgrounds may influence the duration and expectations surrounding grief.

• Everyone has a different level of resilience.

  
  

The grief from child loss can be very complex, and many parents feel the second year was worse than the first due to the numbness wearing off and reality setting in. Sometimes it might feel like one step forward, and two steps backward, but learning to live with the wound is the goal and is possible.

Would I want to go back to the first few months, even the first couple of years? Oh absolutely not. This is how I know I'm getting better, and I'm here for you.