Mourning also requires discipline
The death of a brother or sister runs like a red thread through the lives of the siblings, says Rönick. "However, many of them only realize this as adults." Every week between four and six people affected turn to TrauerZeit, looking for advice and support. They come on their own initiative or are mediated by schools, hospices or youth welfare offices. Often there are children among them who become conspicuous years after the death of a relative who derail from their usual everyday life.
The "amputated family"
Rönick speaks of one "amputated family"when father, mother or child have died. Something was stolen from the bereaved that had always been there before. She tries to give them help in everyday life so that they not only work, but also see a meaning in it, maybe even a zest for life.
Grief is not a disease, says Rönick. But if it is not treated, grief can make you sick. The symptoms sound succinct: insomnia, nausea, headache and concentration problems. But shortness of breath and heart problems can also be the result.
The paths of fate that follow are often similar: parents split up in their grief, some split up. Others get sick or lose their jobs. The grief destroys her life. And in their grief, they often forget their dead child’s siblings.
Set the table for the dead child
After the loss, Hannah’s parents pretended nothing had happened. They continued to cover for four at mealtime as if Hannah’s sister were still alive.