DEATH OF A CHILD DUE TO AN ACCIDENT
We understand that the death of a child through an accident is a particularly traumatic loss for parents. Often this kind of death leads to feelings of disbelief, numbness, confusion and difficulty thinking. These responses are normal and serve to protect the mind at a time of extreme stress.
Other more persistent feelings are unreasonable feelings and thoughts that something should have been done or weren't done that could have prevented the loss. In addition, there can be a profound sense of sadness that does not subside and feels unbearable or anxiety that the world has become an unpredictable and unsafe place.
The accident may have occurred in traumatic circumstances and the parents may have witnessed the death and felt that they should have done something to prevent it.
This type of death may provoke feelings such as:
Guilt e.g. I should have prevented it.
Anger e.g., towards those who failed to protect the child.
Shame e.g., at their inability to protect and prevent the accident.
Remorse e.g. I should not have allowed my child to be in that place at that time.
Profound sadness e.g. I cannot bear living without my child.
Anxiety e.g. What will happen next? The world is not safe.
This can result in each seeing these responses in their partner while denying them in themselves.
Seeking Help
Penthos’ team of couple therapists specialize in helping bereaved parents manage and overcome grief, stress, and the trauma of losing a child.
Penthos was established to provide grieving parents with no-cost therapy.
If you would like to discuss this further or set up an appointment you can do this through our contact us page