Many people find death a difficult topic to discuss. Here at Cypress Lawn, we try to remind the families we serve in the Bay Area that death is a part of life. Our compassionate staff members know it’s not easy to think or talk about death, but we believe everyone can benefit from learning more about it. Whether you are in the midst of planning a cremation or funeral for your loved one or simply wish to know more about the topic overall, here are some of the reasons why we believe everyone needs death education:

It can help you appreciate your life and the people in it.

When we learn more about death, we start to become more realistic about the fact that each of our lives will one day end. Though this may seem disheartening and sad, it may also inspire us to be grateful for our own lives and the loved ones with which we share them. Knowing that life has a natural ending can render many aspects of it inherently more worthwhile and fulfilling.

It can make facing the death of a loved one less scary.

When a loved one dies, both life and death often become two things that may seem impossible to face. Knowing that for thousands of years people have died, grieved, and recovered from this same grief can provide comfort to those who have lost a loved one. Similarly, learning more about burial, cremation, and other common death practices can help you feel more equipped to make decisions on your loved one’s end-of-life care. 

It can encourage others to get more comfortable talking about death.
When you feel more at ease discussing death-related issues, it’s likely your friends and family will too. Encourage your loved ones, especially those who are advanced in age, to get their final wishes in order and preplan their funerals. This is a straightforward and rewarding way to become more educated about what deathcare entails so that you can make informed decisions both for yourself and your loved ones.

If you find yourself weighed down with heavy feelings of grief over a recent loss, we recommend checking out our online grief resources or seeking professional help. Our caring team can put you in touch with local grief counselors and therapists in and around San Francisco. Contact us anytime 24/7.