Grief and The Military Experience

The death of a loved one is a difficult experience for anyone. While grief is a normal, natural and necessary response to a loss, veterans who have witnessed death up close may keep grief inside. The military “big boys don’t cry” attitude, coupled with the survival mode of war, can hamper the grieving process.

Family members mourning a deceased veteran often comment on their stoicism, saying it interfered with relationships. Some veterans never spoke of their military experiences. Whether you are a veteran mourning the death of a loved one or the loved one of a deceased veteran, here are some grief reminders.

Remember that grief is as individual as a fingerprint.
Remind yourself that grief is a process.
Find a friend or fellow veteran who can really listen.
Attend a support group.
Expect to have setbacks.
Don’t measure your progress against the calendar – create your own calendar of grief.
Call a counselor if you have any concerns/questions about your feelings.
Hold on to hope as you transition through your grief.

The Bereavement Center of Hospice offers a variety of services to assist in the grief process, and is open to veterans and family members of veterans.