Beistand bei Trauer. Psychologisch-pastorale Aspekte
Support for the bereaved. The psychological and pastoral aspects

Summary/Abstract: Almost every death of a close friend or a relative causes a bereavement. If it follows normally, it is not statistic but dynamic. Its temporariness is defined by stages of stupor, longing and quest for the lost person, disorganization and doubt, finally of smaller or bigger reorganization. If a bereavement should be completed, the mourner must pass through all the stages. The ordeal of a bereavement is important to accept the loss of a close person and acknowledge his or her death as a fact. It is necessary to recover from the stress, which is possible by naming our pain and suffering. It is not recommended to go through a bereavement in loneliness and isolation. Opening to others helps to enter into a new reality and reorganize our life. This information should be also accepted by the society to which the mourner belongs. In order to provide the proper support one should be present next to the mourners, should possess the ability to listen to and accept them as they are in a given moment. When a professional help is required, a psychotherapy may be necessary. In case of a death of a child family therapy is recommended. If the mourning ones are believers the Church’s support is essential. Christian consolation is connected with liturgy, preaching God’s word and love support. Christ who defeated the death by his resurrection brings hope to the bereaved.

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