I did not know, and therefore was unprepared for the enormous amount of work, frequently paper work, associated with unthinkable events that come our way. After our accident, for example, it felt like a full time job to manage “the accident aftermath” There were appointments to book, Insurance forms to fill out, phone calls to be made. Each time we went to an appointment, ( remember, I could only drive 20 miles per hour and was terrified of every inch we went), we had to have insurance forms signed including a mileage chart) let me just say on top of everything else, noting the odometer reading did not come naturally. I know that when a death occurs, there is a seemingly, never ending trail of paperwork to be done, death certficates, banking changes, insurance claims, all come at you at the worst of times. It seems that Unthinkable events bring work and paperwork with them. Divorces can be a long paper train, domestic violence brings, lengthy police meetings, lawyers, court files and so on.

Here are my suggestions based on my personal exoerience and the experience of my clients:

1.Knowing that the event you are facing will involve work and paper work will help you set your expectations to include this side of things

2. Be prepared. Literally, since we were at a cottage we did not have what we needed, like paper, pencils, files, ability to print or take photos.

3. Stay on top of it, stay organized. I know it sounds like a lot, but with all the paper, it is super important to stay on track, other wise it makes things a lot worse.

4. Get help. Enlist the help of someone who can help, if your budget allows hire a professional. Maybe a friend or family member can help!

5. Expect it to take longer than you think, at the same time it will be over.

 

I think if I had known this, it would have helped reduce my stress, because I would have expected it and would been better prepared.

 

As always, all the best.

 

Susy Giddy is a Life Coach. One of her specialties is helping people cope with adversity and challenges that come their way. She can be reached at
https://calendly.com/coachsusygiddy