According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, or AAMFT, the loss of a child is one of the most traumatic experiences a parent can have. The death of a child results in a unique psychological experience in which parents lose a part of themselves and their outlook on the future is irrevocably altered.
Shock and Denial
According to the AAMFT, the initial period following the death of a child is typically characterized by a marked sense of shock and disbelief. Some people may experience feelings of denial, with a subconscious idea that the child will eventually return or has not truly died. This period of shock and numbness allows the grieving parent to gradually accept the loss as real.
Despair and Depression
Experts at the National Institutes of Health note that overwhelming emotions of deep despair are common after a serious loss. Parents who lose children are likely to experience signs of depression, such as changes in appetite, loss of sleep and an inability to complete daily tasks. Experts at the AAMFT note that many parents feel that they may never heal, and may need extra professional support to cope with these feelings.
Anger and Guilt
Experts at Helpguide.org note that most individuals will experience a period of anger following a serious loss. The AAMFT notes that feelings of anger can be particularly strong for parents who lose a child, and those feelings can feel extremely unjust and overwhelming. In addition parents may have a strong sense of guilt regarding a child's death, commonly feeling that they should have been able to prevent any harm to their child.
Acceptance
According to the AAMFT, the period of grieving for a child can be lengthy and intense. Many families feel a strong sense of loss for years. Individuals will gradually recover from the acute feelings of shock and depression, but the lingering sense of emptiness will often remain. Parents will slowly begin to form new goals and an outlook on the future, but depending on the circumstances of the loss this may take quite some time.
