Is losing a child traumatic?

As a parent, there is no greater fear than that of losing a child. A child’s death is especially traumatic because it is often unexpected as well as being in violation of the usual order of life in which the child is expected to precede their parents.

What losing a child feels like?

Just as with any death and loss of a child, you are likely to experience some of the more common symptoms of grief — you may go into shock or even deny that your baby has died. Depression, anger, frustration and other painful emotions are normal and to be expected.

What happens when you lose a child to estrangement?

I will never forget her words: “The pain of your child dying is incredible, but losing a child to estrangement is unbearable — it hurts so, so much more.” When a person is estranged by a family member, they generally experience a range of immediate grief, loss and trauma responses.

How do you deal with an estranged adult son?

Put your efforts into changing yourself, not your child. Let go of your resentments regarding the estrangement. Understand his need to flee—and forgive him. Get to know the adult child you have, not the child you think he should have been. Allow him to get to know you.

What happens when your child Cuts you Out of their life?

By Debbie Pincus, MS LMHC If you are estranged from your adult child, if your child has cut you out of his or her life—whether for a long or short time—it is a gut-wrenching experience. When your child cuts you out of her life it provokes deep feelings of shame, guilt, bewilderment, and hurt, all of which can easily turn to anger.

What does it feel like to lose a child as a parent?

During the early days of grieving, most parents experience excruciating pain, alternating with numbness — a dichotomy that may persist for months or longer. Many parents who have lost their son or daughter report they feel that they can only “exist” and every motion or need beyond that seems nearly impossible.