Sudden Unexpected Death

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Sudden unexpected death is death that happened quickly from the point of view of those affected. The death may happen in a few seconds or minutes, such as in an accident or from a heart attack. Sudden unexpected deaths also happen when the person is not expected to die in a certain way or place. He may not even be expected to die at all. Some people not knowing the person was ill may think of their death as sudden and unexpected. A person who was expected to take many months to die may also die a death that is seen as sudden. They may be expected to get worse slowly but then die in a short period of time. Death may also seem sudden when people are expecting a different outcome. The person may die in a few weeks when they were expected to live for months or even years.
  
  
• The sudden loss and death of a person may cause shock and confusion at first. They may have more need to go over and over the events around the death. They may think that mistakes were made, and feel guilty or angry. The police, courts, media, and insurance companies may get involved with the death. People may feel they need to help others instead of being able to move through their grief or bereavement. Bereavement is a feeling of sadness or loneliness due to a loss or death of a loved one. Counseling and emotional support from your family, friends, and caregivers may help you in accepting a sudden unexpected death.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Bereavement:

The sudden loss and death of a person may cause grief or bereavement. When someone dies, the people who were left behind may feel different for a while. They may cry a lot, feel angry, guilty, worthless, hopeless, helpless, or confused. The following may be the survivor's feelings or actions after the sudden unexpected death of a loved one:

• Get tired easily, be inactive, and have a hard time enjoying things or having fun.
  
  
• Holding on to the dead person's memories, such as clothing or other belongings.
  
  
• Poor concentration, not able to think clearly, or trouble making decisions.
  
  
• Problems eating, such as poor appetite or overeating.
  
  
• Sleeping too much or not getting enough sleep.

Coping:

Counseling and emotional support for those who were survived by the sudden unexpected death of a person may be given. You will be free to express your emotional needs to someone who is willing to listen. A caregiver may talk to you, your family, friends, or those close to the one who just died. Patients and families may join support groups, or meet other survivors in similar situations. Ask caregivers for more information about sudden unexpected death, bereavement, and support groups.

Problems when coping with the loss of your loved one:

You may be overcome by emotions brought on by grief, and have problems accepting the loss. You are unable to cope with the loss of your loved one when:

• Bereavement and grief is chronic (long-term).
  
  
• Grief reactions are delayed or too severe (bad).
  
  
• Relationships, job, or school work are badly affected.
  
  
• Reckless behavior, such as substance abuse or heavy drinking, develops.
  
  
• True feelings are hidden or masked and you pretend that everything is okay.

Legal action:

Lawyers and the chosen family member may take care of the directives, last wills, or belongings of the person who died. If you lost someone due to a crime, police or other special agencies assistance may be needed. Laws are in place to help those who are victims of sudden unexpected violent death.

Self-care:

The following may help you cope with the sudden unexpected death of a loved one:

• Rest is important. Do not try to do everything all at the same time. Do only what is needed and let other things wait until later. Ask your family, friends, or caregivers for help.
  
  
• Share your feelings. Try saying what you really feel or share stories of the one who just passed away. Often just talking things out with someone you trust is a big help.
  
  
• Take good care of yourself. Do not forget to look after yourself and other family members or friends. You should eat healthy food and keep yourself healthy. Try to get out of the house a little each day. Go for a walk or meet with a friend. Be sure to spend time with your family or friends. It is also important that you have time to yourself each day.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot eat, drink, or take your medicines.
  
  
• You feel more depressed or sad most of the time, or your depression does not go away.
  
  
• You need to talk about your problems and feelings.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about the sudden unexpected death of your loved one.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel like hurting yourself or someone else.
  
  
• You are anxious or restless even after taking medicines.
  
  
• You feel that you cannot cope with your condition.
  
  
• You have problems sleeping.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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