Ways to Manage Your Fear of Funerals

If you are feeing anxious about attending the funeral services for a loved one who has passed, you are not alone. Many people share in a fear of funerals. This can stem from a number of reasons. It may be that you are nervous about seeing relatives you have not seen in a while, or perhaps you are having to deliver a eulogy or other reading and have a fear of public speaking. Whatever the reasons, directors of funeral homes in Ukiah, CA. share these tips to help manage your fear. 

Find Support 

When you know you are going to be feeling anxious attending the funeral, try and find someone who can attend with you. This could be a spouse, friend, even a close coworker. Going to the funeral with someone can greatly reduce your stress as you know you will have a familiar face with you. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Show Emotion 

Often times we may be hesitant to attend a loved one’s funeral for the simple fact we are not sure we are going to be able to get through it emotionally. We may be nervous that we will cry too much or seem over emotional to others. 

Remember that is okay to show this emotion and grief. You will not be the only one experiencing these feelings and it is completely normal to express these feelings. If at anytime you find yourself getting too overwhelmed by emotion, simply take a slow deep breath in, hold briefly, and blow out nice and slow. Repeat this a few times. Doing so will help calm your mind, nerves, and allow you to regain more control. 

Acknowledge Your Feelings 

Sometimes when we are feeling something that we don’t want to be, such as anxiety, we try to ignore it and push it down hoping it will just go away. Well, it won’t. Rather that ignore these feelings, acknowledge them. 

You could talk about your fears and concerns about attending to the funeral to a family member, close friend, or even a religious leader or funeral director. Not only will opening up help you feel better, whomever you talk with may share good advice or tips to help you. 

Go Easy on Yourself 

Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard. It is quite possibly the most challenging thing we ever have to work through. It is important during this time that you practice self-care physically and mentally. 

This means that you need to ensure you are eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep as well as physical activity. Mentally you need to ensure you are doing things like mediating, taking a walk in nature, attending a yoga class, or having lunch with friends. 

When you are taking care of yourself like this, you will have a much better chance of being able to handle and manage any fear and/or anxiety much more easily. 

Remember, many people have fears when it comes to attending funerals or other service from funeral homes in Ukiah, CA. When you have to attend a funeral, just remember these tips and know that you are not alone in your feelings.