Viver o luto e as redes de apoio a familiares que perderam em ente querido

Abstract

This research aims to understand the experiences of the grieving process of family members who lost loved ones, for different causes of death; know the ways to cope with the grief of family members who lost loved ones by death; and getting to know the support network of family members who lost loved ones by death. This research is qualitative, descriptive and exploratory, developed in a municipality in the northern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Eighteen family members who lost oved ones were interviewed. For data collection, the semi-structured interview was used. Data analysis followed the thematic analysis steps. From the reports, three categories emerged: family experiences in the face of the possibility of loss and death; life after death; and support networks for relatives who experience grief. It was found that relatives of deceased by suicide and sudden deaths presented higher degree of suffering; family members who took care of their loved ones during the process of dying and dying showed better elaboration of grief; bereaved by fetal death and neonatal death revealed the frustration they felt during the elaboration of grief; widowers reported difficulties in rebuilding life after loss and feelings of loneliness. Support networks reported were the presence of family, spirituality, friends and neighbors. The support group and health professionals were also cited as supporting elements. Through the study, it was possible to experience emotions and understand gaps in the care of people who experience grief.