If you find yourself overcome by emotion, people will understand if you calm yourself by taking deep breaths or taking sips of water. And if you can't carry on, the funeral celebrant, or a family member will be on hand to support you.
Feelings during the funeral
Often funerals can bring up thoughts of other people who have died. It's quite common to find that you are grieving someone you didn't expect to. Sometimes people feel worried or even guilty that they are not focussing on the 'right' feelings or even the right person. But it's very normal.
Crying at a funeral is a normal part of many cultures' traditions to express lamentation and regret the person's death. It's also a sign of respect and honor. Some cultures practice what's known as a death wail. It's a mourning lament performed ritually soon after the death of a family member.
The medication, Nuedexta, is the first to be approved for treatment of people with symptoms known as pseudobulbar affect, or the loss of emotional control.
Sadness. This is perhaps the most common and universal emotion to experience at a funeral. The experience of loss naturally results in sadness, and the more you loved and cherished the one you lost, the more sadness you'll probably feel.
Whether you'll be attending a funeral or speaking at one, it's common to wish for more control over your emotions. We all know the stereotype of the overly emotional family member bawling during a funeral. In reality, crying during a funeral is a reasonable way to grieve a loved one.
Instead, we want to reassure those who aren't crying that it's okay. Crying isn't a required step in grieving a loss; it is not a measure of how much you love the person who died, and you can still grieve healthily even if the tears don't flow.
Practice yoga, meditate, get a massage, write in your journal, give yourself a pedicure or take a relaxing nap.
“I'm so sorry about your loss. [The deceased] was a good person and they'll be very missed.” “Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.” “[The deceased] was a wonderful person and I'll miss them very much.”
While you should generally steer clear of bright colours and loud prints (unless otherwise requested), other things to avoid include very revealing or overly casual clothes, like ripped jeans, sheer tops or pieces with inappropriate cut-out details. Accessory-wise, keep things minimal.
Funeral anxiety can stem from many different issues, including social anxiety which can make you feel uncomfortable when asked to deliver a eulogy or play another important role in the funeral. You may feel uncomfortable expressing your emotions around people that you haven't seen for a long time.
If you've ever felt anxious at a funeral, you're not alone. There are many different reasons why people might feel stressed or nervous in the lead up to the funeral of a loved one, friend or acquaintance.
Lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics are the three main types of drug which are used as mood stabilisers.
Scientists have shown before that paracetamol (or acetaminophen) can do more than relieve physical pain. In one study, people who took the drugs felt less emotional pain too, suggesting that similar brain circuits operate for both.
"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.
They might close their eyes frequently or they might be half-open. Facial muscles may relax and the jaw can drop. Skin can become very pale. Breathing can alternate between loud rasping breaths and quiet breathing.