How Technology Can Help Us Recover From Bereavement

The death of a loved one can pull us into a seemingly bottomless pit of emotional anguish. The sense of loss can be so overwhelming that it almost feels like a part of our being has also died with our beloved. In times like this, we need to be surrounded with people who will support and sympathise with us. Thanks to technology, even those who are far away can reach out and extend their love and comfort. With the mobile phone for example, text messaging allows us to give consoling words to a grieving friend without encroaching upon their much needed privacy. This is ideal for bereaved individuals who welcome expressions of sympathy but prefer to be left alone in this difficult time.

Perhaps the most useful device that can surprisingly serve as an emotional outlet is the personal computer. It has been a growing trend to put up memorial websites or memorial pages on social networking sites for those who have passed away. Remembering your late loved one through an online community is a cathartic experience that you can look forward to everyday. The act of posting online pictures, videos, and creating written tributes to your departed loved one helps you achieve a feeling of closure. Even if you need to take some time away from the rest of the world, a memorial website still lets you keep in touch with friends and family who also share your loss. In this way, you will feel less alone, comforted by the fact that other people perfectly understand your pain and sorrow. Indeed, technology has revolutionised several aspects of human culture - including the manner in which we cope with death and bereavement.