The natural stages of grief that people may go through when faced with significant loss or terminal illness.
They don't necessarily occur in a linear order. People may also revisit stages multiple times, and the duration of each stage can vary greatly from person to person. The five stages are:
Denial in this stage, individuals may have difficulty accepting the reality of the loss. They may deny the severity of the situation or refuse to acknowledge that it has happened at all. Denial can serve as a temporary coping mechanism, allowing individuals to process the loss gradually.
Anger as the reality of the loss sets in, individuals may experience intense feelings of anger. They may feel resentful toward themselves, others, or even the person they've lost. Anger can manifest as frustration, irritability, or bitterness, and it's important to find healthy ways to express and release these emotions.
Bargaining in this stage, individuals may try to negotiate with a higher power or with fate in an attempt to reverse or mitigate the loss. They may make promises or seek to find meaning in the loss by seeking alternative outcomes. Bargaining is often characterized by feelings of guilt, regret, and a desire for control in an uncontrollable situation.
Depression As the full weight of the loss settles in, individuals may experience profound sadness, despair, and hopelessness. They may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, have difficulty sleeping or eating, and struggle to find motivation to engage with the world around them. Depression is a natural response to loss, but it's important to seek support and professional help if these feelings become overwhelming or persistent.
Acceptance The final stage of grief involves coming to terms with the reality of the loss and integrating it into one's sense of self. Acceptance doesn't mean that the pain goes away or that the loss is forgotten, but rather that individuals find a way to live with their grief and move forward with their lives. Acceptance may involve finding meaning in the loss, making adjustments to one's identity or life circumstances, and finding ways to honor the memory of the person who has been lost.
Dealing with bereavement can be an incredibly challenging and painful experience, and it is important to give yourself permission to grieve in your own way and in your own time. Here are some tips that may help you navigate through this difficult time:
Understand that grief is a natural response to loss and that its okay to feel a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, grief or numbness. Give yourself permission to express your feelings in a way that feels right for you.
Reach out to friends, family members or a support group who can provide comfort, understanding, and a listening ear. Sometimes, just talking about your feelings can be a great relief.
Its important to prioritize self-care during this time. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating healthily, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation.
If you’re struggling to cope with your grief, don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counsellor, they can provide you with coping strategies and support tailored to your individual needs.
Find healthy ways to express your emotions, whether through journaling, music, physical activity or art. Expressing your feelings can help you find a sense of relief and process your grief.
Healing from grief takes take, and there’s no right or wrong timeline for the grieving process. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate through this difficult journey.
Stay connected with supportive people in your life, even if you feel like withdrawing. Surround yourself with love and support can help you feel less alone during this challenging time.
While it may be difficult to see at first, try to find meaning in your loss. Honour and remember your loved one’s memory, by creating a memory box, planting a tree, discover personal growth and resilience or participate in activities.
Remember everyone’s grief is unique, its ok to seek support, you are not alone and there are people who care about you and want to help you through your grief.
Please read my page on how to deal with intense feelings if you require further support.
