No one likes to think about the end of life, either our own or others' passing; if we do, we imagine dying peacefully at a ripe old age. When tragedy comes unexpectedly, however, it leaves us feeling shattered and at a loss. Even if the tragedy has nothing to do with us personally, it can still deeply affect us. It isn't easy to learn to cope with a sudden trauma, but there are steps you can take to help yourself.

A loved one's unforeseen deathis an event most of us will experience. While numbness and disbelief are often our first reactions, a host of other emotions can set in as well, ranging from intense grief at our loss to guilt that we didn't say "I love you" one last time. There is no "right way" to feel, even if it doesn't make sense to us. Allowing ourselves to experience all of our emotions is important in processing a tragedy.

Fatalities can be caused by any number of things, not all of which are preventable. While it seems natural to point the finger at someone or something when someone dies suddenly, we need to accept that no matter what security measures or medical procedures are taken, death may be unavoidable under the circumstances. Anger is a natural emotion to feel after an abrupt death, particularly if we feel that it could have been avoided. Some even blame themselves, thinking "if only I had done this" or "if only I had said that." It's not simple to sidestep blaming, but in the long run, acceptance is a great aid to coping.

Whether death involves someone close to you or a terrible event in the news, keeping your feelings hidden can do much more harm than good. Finding someone to talk to about your thoughts and emotions at a time like this is an essential tool for processing tragedy. A trusted friend or family member can fill this role, but don't be afraid to go to a professional if you don't have someone in your personal life with whom you can speak honestly. Some find online forums can fill the need to anonymously speak about their feelings.

No one ever expects to have a tragedy happen in their lives, but people deal with tragic experiences every day. Dealing with an unexpected tragedy can be a very hard experience, but there is hope. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help

when dealing with tragedy. While coping with trauma can be difficult, it will get easier with time and patience.