Illness, suicide: how to deal with a family tragedy?

Illness, suicide: how to deal with a family tragedy?

A family drama is an event that can affect anyone. And this, at any time of life. Whether we are children, adolescents or adults, we all react in very different ways and we need support or even personalized help.

The different forms of family drama

There are many family dramas. You can lose a loved one as a result of an accident. Sometimes several relatives lose their lives simultaneously. Most often, these events occur during car accidents, airplane accidents, natural disasters or, as we have seen in recent years, during acts of terrorism.

Sometimes the family drama is caused by illness. This can alter the daily life of a family, often it ends with the death of the person concerned. Whether it is hereditary, congenital, whether it is cancer or meningitis, it affects both men and women and does not take age into account. Illness in children is one of the most destabilizing family tragedies.

We can also lose a loved one following a suicide. In this case, there are many questions. Relatives feel anger and sometimes remorse.

A family drama does not always include the death of a family member. Sometimes it is characterized by acts of violence, divorce or even abandonment.

Managing a family drama when you are an adult

Experiencing a family drama is difficult at any age. When we are adults, we have to face the situation while having responsibilities. Sometimes we have to take care of a loved one, we have to free up time, we have administrative tasks to do, etc. In some cases, adults have to deal with loved ones most affected. They may have new responsibilities or even play an unpleasant role.

Adults have to deal with their children and sometimes their parents in the face of drama. It is an unenviable place. In addition, they too must recover from the tragic events. Do not hesitate to ask for help from other family members. In case of need, it is sometimes possible to call on outside help. Doctors, social workers and psychologists can be of great help.

Those who are working may take a few days to care for a loved one or simply to recover from the family tragedy. Leave days are provided in the event of the death of a family member and unpaid leave can be taken to help a sick loved one.

Family drama and adolescence

In adolescence, family tragedies are particularly badly experienced. Indeed, young adults are very sensitive. They no longer have the innocence of children but do not yet have enough experience in life to cope with tragic events.

In the event of a family tragedy, it is essential to take good care of the adolescents. We must encourage them to express themselves and accompany them in their grief. Teens need to be understood and helped. The dramatic events that take place in adolescence are more striking. They can impact the fragile balance of young adults.

Parents must inform the school attended by their child of the family tragedy so that the adolescent’s discomfort is understood and not misinterpreted.

Children and family drama

The place of children in the face of a family tragedy is often problematic. We tend to tell ourselves that the little ones don’t understand what’s going on. However, it should be known that from an early age, a child understands what is going on around him. He hears snatches of conversation, he feels a void or a lack. He can be directly concerned by the drama without expressing his feelings.

It is essential to speak with the children and especially to make them speak. Children may have difficulty putting into words what they are going through and what they are feeling. They also may not understand the family drama. You have to explain the situation to them in simple words and ask them questions.

As with adolescents, the situation should be discussed with schools and caregivers. So if they ask questions, the supervisors can find the appropriate answers and why not, discuss with the youngest.

Get help in the event of a family tragedy

In the event of a family tragedy, you have to get help. This help can come from family or friends, but that’s not all. Sometimes it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the situation and how uncomfortable you are with her. In the most serious cases or in the most fragile subjects, the help of a professional such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist may be recommended.

A family drama can be overwhelming. Personalized support is often necessary to take charge of your life and fulfill your daily responsibilities. Whether medical, psychological or just friendly, help is essential.

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