DEATH INVESTIGATION PROCESS & SUPPORT RESOURCES
The Christi Center
This organization offers free, ongoing support for adults grieving the loss of a child, spouse, parent, sibling or other loved one. Participants receive the support of peers who can truly relate, from hearing how others have coped, and the realization that they are not alone in their experience of loss. They benefit from helpful guidance on how to manage and express their complex emotions in a healthy manner. The group serves as a safe place for people to come, share, connect and heal.
2306 Hancock Drive Austin, Texas 78756 512-467-2600 www.christicenter.org
Grief Reactions
Experiencing the pain of grief may include physical, emotional, and behavior reactions. It is helpful to acknowledge and work through the grief responses. Some common grief reactions are listed below.
| Emotional: | Physical |
| Numbness/Shock | Deep sighing |
| Disbelief/Denial | Weakness & fatigue |
| Sadness | Rapid heartbeat |
| Guilt | Increased blood pressure |
| Yearning | Decrease in activity |
| Despair | Muscular tension |
| Hopelessness | Weight & appetite change |
| Feeling of being lost | Neglect of self |
| Anger
Bitterness |
Increased sensory awareness
support groups and bereavement counselors. |
- Behavioral Reactions:
- Blaming others
- Apathetic regarding activities
- Preoccupied
- CRYING
- Seeking solitude
- Seeking forgiveness
- Detached from surroundings
- Disoriented to time and places
- Withdrawn from friends and activities
- Unable to concentrate
- Victim Services may be able to assist you with information regarding local support groups and bereavement counselors.
Lifestyle Tips for People in Grief
- Discipline yourself to eat regularly, even if you feel as if you cannot eat as much as usual.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid sweets and fatty foods
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. Avoid beverages with caffeine.
- Schedule 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise for your age and condition.
- Concentrate on deep-breathing in the open air.
- Concentrate on keeping good posture.
- Try to catch a nap during the day.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages altogether. Alcohol is a depressant.
- Avoid caffeine – hot or cold. This stimulates then lets you down.
- Avoid solitary TV watching.
- Keep regular hours.
- Keep a balance between work, relationships and aloneness.
Basic Information for Survivors
- You may obtain copies of the death certificate from the funeral home. Note: Some institutions require certified copies of the death certificates.
- You may obtain a copy of a police report from the Georgetown Police Department by calling 512-930-3510. Have a Police report number, if any.
- You may obtain medical records from the hospital or clinic where the deceased was taken.
- Telephone numbers you may find helpful:
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- Social Security Admin: Georgetown 877-531-4699 Austin: 866-627-6991 or 800-772-
- Veterans Admin Regional Office: 800-827-1000
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Some Important Details
| Contact the bank – especially if there are joint accounts. |
| Obtain death certificates – these are available from the funeral home. They are often necessary for insurance and many other legal purposes. A minimum of six certified copies is suggested. |
| Check current bills – utilities, phone, loans, credit cards, etc. |
| Locate titles of ownership – auto, property, etc. |
| You may want to contact an attorney – settling an estate can be a complex affair, especially if there is no will. |
| Check employee benefits – notify employers of the death to secure any available death benefits. |
| Civil Service – government employees may be eligible for benefits. |
| Contact Social Security – secure death benefits. |
| Check memberships – some groups offer group life insurance. |
| Gather insurance policies – remember to check credit cards and loans for credit life policies. |
| Automobile insurance – if the death is the result of an automobile crash, it may be possible to file a claim for incurred medical fees, vehicle damage or other benefits. |
