How does a SIDS death affect the family?
A SIDS/SUID death is a tragedy that prompts intense emotional reactions among surviving family members. After the initial disbelief, denial, or numbness begins to wear off, parents can fall into a prolonged depression. This depression can affect their sleeping, eating, ability to concentrate, and general energy level. Crying, weeping, incessant talking, and strong feelings of guilt or anger are all normal reactions. Many parents experience unreasonable fears that they, or someone in their family, is in danger. Over protection of surviving children and fears for future children are common reactions. As the finality of the child’s death becomes a reality for the parents, recovery can occur. As healing begins, parents are able to begin to take a more active part in their own lives, which begin to have meaning once again. The pain of their child’s death becomes less intense but not forgotten. Birthdays, holidays, and the anniversary of the child’s death trigger periods of intense pain and
