29 May 2019
Uncategorized
There is no clear progression of grief from one stage to another. In reality, these stages can hit anytime or occur in any order.
For example, loneliness happens late in the grief process, months after the tragedy has struck. It is normal and expected for you to be very depressed and sad eight months after the tragedy has struck.
Here are the 7 Stages of Grief.
- Shock & Denial
You are likely to react to the loss of a loved one with numbed disbelief. Initially, you may even deny the reality, in order to avoid the pain. Shock gives initial protection from being overwhelmed. This could last for weeks.
- Pain & Guilt
Once the shock wears off, suffering of unbelievable pain replaces it. Though this pain is unbearable, it is important that you experience it fully, and do not avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.
- Anger & Bargaining
Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and blame someone else for the death. Do try to control this feeling. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.
- Reflection, Loneliness
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with life, a long period of sad reflection is likely to overtake you. This is normal.
This is the time, when you actually realize the true magnitude of your loss.
- The Upward Turn
Your life becomes a little more organized as you start adjusting to life without your dear one, and your “depression” begins to lift slowly.
- Reconstruction & Working Through
As you start leading a normal life, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life. You will start working on your problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without your partner.
- Acceptance & Hope
During this last and final stage of grief, you learn to accept and deal with reality. Acceptance does not mean instant happiness. After the tragedy, you can never be the same carefree, untroubled ‘you’ that existed before. But you will find a way forward.
You will once again start planning your future and looking forward to it. Finally, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain. You will start anticipating good times, and also find joy in the experience of living once again.