As our President noted recently, funerals have become a death trap for many South Africans. Although it is deeply ingrained in all of us to provide a fitting send-off for our departed loved one, we are in the grip of a deadly pandemic. The typical funeral activities that usually occur are increasing everyone’s exposure [...]
Death, dying, and funerals are part of every human’s life, but each one of us experience them differently according to our culture and beliefs. This is even more applicable to South Africa, as a country with 11 official languages, each one with its religion, culture and traditions. It is essential to realise that your [...]
The choice between a burial and a cremation is a very personal one and should ideally be decided on and communicated to your loved ones before your passing. This can be a difficult decision, as it needs to take into consideration your and your family’s personal and religious beliefs, as well as financial situation. [...]
Pre-planning your funeral and discussing it with your family may initially seem like an uncomfortable topic, but it is becoming more acceptable, especially with the current Covid-19 pandemic. Under normal circumstances, funerals are usually held one to two weeks after the passing of a loved one, depending on your religion. However, there may be [...]
A reasonable period of grief and a feeling of bereavement when someone close to you dies is, unfortunately, one of the most common and upsetting experiences to face. These feelings usually ease gradually over time as you learn to accept the loss of your loved one. However, some people are unable to move forward [...]
Funerals are rituals that are as old as humanity itself. They are not only an opportunity to show your emotions and to grieve, but they also help to grasp the reality of loss and the meaning that your loved one had in your life. COVID-19 has deprived people of these precious last moments of [...]
You ask yourself "why should I see a doctor?" You’re healthy. You haven’t seen a doctor in years. You look after yourself and you are proud of your self-care. So, what’s wrong with this scenario? While it is wonderful that you are so healthy, what happens if something unforeseen occurs and you suddenly pass [...]
Parents often ask us how to help young children cope with death and for advice on how to explain the death of a loved one to their young children. Our instinct is to protect our children and to shield them from pain and sadness. However, children are intuitive and sense when something is wrong. [...]
