As difficult as it is, it is important to look rationally at how your beliefs make you feel guilty. You may, indeed, be responsible for some component of your loved one’s death. If so, acknowledge it and see if you can find a way to forgive yourself. If you made a bad judgment, you probably made the best one you knew how to make at the time. Try not to exag- gerate your role in your loved one’s death. In most cases, other factors were largely respon- sible for your loved one’s death. It’s important to acknowledge that the person who killed your loved one was/is to blame. Talking with others who have some understand- ing of your experience can help you look at your guilt realistically. It will be hard work for them and for you. Feeling less guilty will not take away your sadness or your anger, but it can be a big load off your shoulders. It will be worth the effort to rid yourself of it. Faith/Philosophy of Life People who have not focused on God or a belief in an afterlife before may do so in the wake of trauma. Likewise,
people whose faith plays a significant part in their lives may change some of their basic thoughts and beliefs connected to their faith. You may have been told
Working through issues may take time.
that your loved one’s death was God’s will; you may have been told you should forgive. Working through issues of faith may take time and can be another difficult component of grief.
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