Here’s Why You Should Avoid Making Major Decisions While You’re Grieving

By: VGFS
Monday, July 27, 2020

The passing of a loved one is among life’s most stressful events. The shock makes even small tasks and minor decision-making particularly difficult.

Given the severe emotional and physical toll that loss can have on those left behind, the mourning period is not the time to make serious decisions or significant changes. In the following article, we’ve compiled some major decisions that are best avoided during bereavement.

 

 

 

 

Disposal of keepsakes and mementos.

Even if photographs, letters, and other fond reminders of your loved one intensify your sadness right now, these sentimental items should not be discarded. If you toss them out, these irreplaceable articles will be lost forever and you are likely to regret the decision down the road. In time, perhaps six months or a year, you might feel differently as you begin adjusting to life after loss. At the very least, you will probably feel better equipped to determine what you wish to dispose of and what you want to keep. If you cannot tolerate having physical reminders nearby at this time, consider boxing them up and storing them in a spare room, garage, or a rented storage unit. When you are in a better frame of mind and are feeling up to it, you can sort through these treasured memories.

Moving.

While it might be tempting to move to escape household reminders of your loved one, relocating right away may not be in your best interest. If you're thinking of selling your home or moving, it’s best to delay this decision for at least six months, if possible. Even in the best of situations, moving is a major undertaking—finding a new place to live, selling your existing home, packing, etc. It’s an exhausting process. In addition to the fact that you are probably already physically, emotionally, and spiritually depleted, moving may not be something you want to do at this point. It's entirely possible that you could view your living situation differently after several months, so it’s best to avoid making a hasty decision. If you feel that you cannot live in your home right now, explore ways to make a temporary and reversible move. For instance, instead of selling your house, could you live somewhere else for a while, such as a hotel, apartment, or with a friend or relative?

Changing jobs.

Returning to work after losing a loved one is often challenging. Employers may fail to be adequately sensitive, and those who are grieving may be in a heightened emotional state. Combined, these factors can cause the bereaved to find returning to work immensely difficult. They may contemplate quitting, finding a new job, or even switching careers. While many factors can contribute to this feeling, if possible, you should try to delay changing jobs for at least six months after the passing of your loved one. Once you have had time to adjust to the loss, you can re-evaluate whether a change in employment should be a priority. If your job feels too overwhelming to stay on, try to find a short-term solution. For example, could you arrange to take a leave of absence or abbreviate your hours rather than quitting?

Talk it out.

If delaying a major life decision for a period of time doesn't seem feasible, discuss the situation with a trusted friend, relative, or confidant. Having a conversation with someone who has your best interest at heart can help you gain a better perspective on the situation.  

Grief can cloud your thought processes, and if you make abrupt decisions, you may regret them later. If you have questions or need additional help during your period of bereavement, our compassionate professionals are here for you. Please reach out to us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Legally Scattering Ashes: Keep These Six Important Facts in Mind

Legally scattering ashes isn’t complicated but it does require some research and planning. The scattering of a loved one’s ashes can bring peace and closure to surviving family members. For many, ...

Tax Issues When Losing a Spouse in Maryland: Four Things You Should Know

How much do you know about the tax issues when losing a spouse in Maryland? The loss of a spouse or partner is among the most significant life adjustments. In addition to the deep grief, there are...

How Women Express Grief, the Special Grieving Needs of Women

We’ve all heard that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. This is also true when it comes to grieving.  This Women’s History Month, we want to honor women’s stories of grief and thei...

Does A Healthier Brain Begin with Having a Hobby? The Experts Say Yes.

Whether it’s doing crosswords or baking bread, there’s mounting evidence that having a hobby contributes to a healthier brain. Hobbies are more than just a way to fill up free time; they are creat...

Discussing Your Funeral Plans with Loved Ones? Follow These Six Expert Tips

Discussing your funeral plans with loved ones isn’t easy, but it can provide remarkable peace of mind. Advanced funeral planning and conversation alleviate the emotional burden and allow the heali...

The Black Community & Mental Health: A Reflection on our Progress and 3 Things To Promote Wellness

During Black History Month, we celebrate African Americans and the role they have played in building this country, as well as recognize their achievements. The culture in the Black community is st...

How Much Do You Know About Black History Month? Check Out These Six Fascinating Facts

Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage and accomplishments of Black Americans, who are an indelible part of our nation’s history. Every February, the United States honors the co...

Seven Proven Secrets to Staying Healthy When You’re Surrounded by Illness

When everyone around you is under the weather, staying healthy requires some extra effort. Upper respiratory infections like colds and flu are more common in the winter months when we’re all stayi...

Coffin or Casket: How to Determine Which One is Right for You

Funeral planning involves many details, and one of the most important is the choice of a coffin or casket. Although most people think these burial containers are the same, they actually have a num...

The Reception after the Funeral: Five Helpful Tips for a Memorable Event

If you are hosting a reception after the funeral of a loved one, consider ways to make it extraordinary and deeply personal. Families often host a reception or repast after the final farewell for ...