People have gone to Madiba's home in Houghton to lay flowers and celebrate his life.(SABC)
South Africa and the rest of the world have been mourning the passing of former president Nelson Mandela.
While confronted with the reality of his passing, his family and the general public have been grieving in different manners which help them to deal with the great loss.
SABC Wellness Practitioner, Dixie Chavula states that mourning is a difficult and often complex process and though people were mentally prepared, the news of the passing still came as a shock, whether one knew him personally or just as the icon that he is.
She explains the different stages that Mandela’s family and the public have or will possibly go through. The first one is shock and disbelief, especially after President Jacob Zuma made the official announcement.
Secondly, hearing that an iconic figure such as Tata has officially passed on can also cause anger and frustration, depending on one’s readiness to release him.
Finally, after the burial, Mandela’s family especially is bound to experience feelings of depression, isolation and loneliness, before finally accepting that he is really no more.
In major cities and towns, people have gone to places of remembrance like the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sandton Square or his home in Houghton to lay flowers and celebrate his life.
Chavula says that such actions are positive grieving mechanisms, as they provide a sense of closure and serve as an emotional outlet to pay last respects to someone who still remains dear to the world.
Bereavement counselling is an important coping mechanism and Chavula is one of the many staff members of the SABC Wellness Centre who have played a pivotal role in counselling and supporting the SABC staff during this period of mourning.
Post a Comment