Why Is Grief Worse After the Funeral
December 9, 2022
Dealing with grief? Does it seem to get worse even after the funeral? We know why. Here are 5 reasons why, plus some tips on how to cope. Click to learn more.

If you are experiencing grief after a loved one's death, don't despair – you are not alone. And those offering
cremation services Buckner, MO
, can help you through the journey. Many people don't realize that the funeral begins the grieving process. In fact, for some people, the grief process can get worse after the funeral. It may seem counterintuitive, but it's quite common. There are several reasons why this might happen, and we will explore some of them in this article—5 Reasons Why the Funeral Is Only the Beginning.
For many people, the funeral is the first time they encounter the reality of their loved one's death. Until that moment, it may have felt like they were in a dream or living in denial. But seeing the body and attending the funeral can be a harsh reminder that the person is really gone. It can trigger feelings of sadness, anger, and despair.
When You lose someone you love, you grieve for them and all they represent. You grieve for the future that will never be, for the dreams you’ll never realize. You grieve for the love and happiness they brought into your lives. The funeral can be a reminder of all these things and intensify feelings of loss.
For some people, the death of a loved one can trigger other types of grief, such as guilt, regret, or survivor's guilt. If you have unresolved feelings about your relationship with the person who died, the funeral can trigger those feelings. You may think about everything you wish you had said or done. Or you may feel guilty for not being there when they needed you. If these feelings overwhelm you, you must talk to a professional.
Attending a funeral can be a reminder of your own mortality. It can be especially true if the person who died was young or if their death was sudden and unexpected. Seeing someone die can make you realize that your time is limited and that you must make the most of it. It might be a terrifying realization, and it can intensify the grief we are already feeling.
For some people, the funeral can be simply too overwhelming. There may be too many people, too much noise, and too much activity. If you find it difficult to cope with the funeral, it's important to take some time for yourself. Step outside for a few minutes if you need to. Cry in the car on the way home. Do whatever you need to do to get through the day.
1. The Funeral Can Be a Reminder of the Finality of Death
For many people, the funeral is the first time they encounter the reality of their loved one's death. Until that moment, it may have felt like they were in a dream or living in denial. But seeing the body and attending the funeral can be a harsh reminder that the person is really gone. It can trigger feelings of sadness, anger, and despair.
2. The Funeral Can Be a Reminder of All That Was Lost
When You lose someone you love, you grieve for them and all they represent. You grieve for the future that will never be, for the dreams you’ll never realize. You grieve for the love and happiness they brought into your lives. The funeral can be a reminder of all these things and intensify feelings of loss.
3. The Funeral Can Be a Trigger for Other Types of Grief
For some people, the death of a loved one can trigger other types of grief, such as guilt, regret, or survivor's guilt. If you have unresolved feelings about your relationship with the person who died, the funeral can trigger those feelings. You may think about everything you wish you had said or done. Or you may feel guilty for not being there when they needed you. If these feelings overwhelm you, you must talk to a professional.
4. The Funeral Can Be a Reminder of Your Mortality
Attending a funeral can be a reminder of your own mortality. It can be especially true if the person who died was young or if their death was sudden and unexpected. Seeing someone die can make you realize that your time is limited and that you must make the most of it. It might be a terrifying realization, and it can intensify the grief we are already feeling.
5. The Funeral Can Be Overwhelming
For some people, the funeral can be simply too overwhelming. There may be too many people, too much noise, and too much activity. If you find it difficult to cope with the funeral, it's important to take some time for yourself. Step outside for a few minutes if you need to. Cry in the car on the way home. Do whatever you need to do to get through the day.
Conclusion
The funeral is only the beginning of the
grieving process
. For many people, it can be a reminder of the finality of death, a trigger for other types of grief, or simply too overwhelming. If you are struggling to cope with your grief, don't hesitate to seek
professional help
. Most people offering
cremation services
Buckner, MO offer such support.