Death can be a difficult topic to discuss with loved ones and for good reason. There are a lot of unknowns related to death, which can lead to uncertainty and fear. Many people grow uncomfortable when things like a funeral, cremation, or even a living will are brought up in conversation. If you’re able to overcome your initial hesitancy around the subject, you may realize talking about death is a necessary and potentially enriching part of life.
Our compassionate staff at Krause Funeral Home encourages families in New Berlin, Brookfield, and Milwaukee to get the conversation started. Here are 3 reasons why you should be talking about death with your family:
- It can help ease fear and anxiety.
When a major life event like death is ignored, the resulting lack of knowledge around the undiscussed topic can increase anxiety and stress. Talking about death, however challenging it might be, may make you feel more at peace about it. Planning for your funeral ahead of time may also help you feel calmer about death.
- It can strengthen your relationships.
Discussing a major topic like death with your family is a great opportunity to deepen your relationship with them. You’ll hear what your loved ones think about death and the afterlife and may even learn each individual’s preferences for when their own death occurs. This can strengthen the bonds between you and your loved ones and ensure meaningful information is known regarding end-of-life arrangements should an unexpected death occur.
- It can lead to more conversations.
After a loved one dies, many people say they wish they’d been more prepared for the event and talked about final wishes and care plans in greater detail while they were alive. Speaking openly about death may prompt you to venture into important subject areas like these, which can help you and your family make informed choices together. This will likely result in everyone feeling more confident and peaceful about the future.
How to Start the Conversation
It’s not always easy starting a conversation about death, but thankfully there are some useful tools out there to help you along. If you’re a parent, tell your children you’d like them to know your final wishes. Taking a more practical approach to death can help people feel more comfortable discussing it with each other.
To find out more about our funeral services or to start preplanning your funeral with us, contact our experienced team. We are here to assist you 24/7.