The following are the stages of death that anyone grieving will go through. However, there is no sequential order. Everyone grieves differently. These stages help else realize that we are grieving appropriately and what we are experiencing is normal. There is no set time or limit on any stage. However, if you find yourself in one stage for a long period and emotionally stuck, this is the time to visit a therapist to help you work through any unresolved emotions.
Denial- This is when you are in a state of shock and disbelief of what has happened.
Anger - Anger is a necessary stage of the healing process. The more you experience it, the more it will begin to dissipate, which will allow you to experience other emotions
Bargaining- After we lose a loved one, sometimes we will find ways that we think it could have been prevented. We get lost in a maze of “If only…” or “What if…” statements. We want to go back in time.
Often, guilt follows. We need to be careful during this stage that we don’t allow guilt to stifle our grieving.
Depression- Of course, you are going to experience great sadness. It will be painful and emotionally draining. It’s important to understand that depression is not a sign of mental illness. It is the appropriate response to a great loss. So allow yourself time to be sad.
Acceptance- This stage is about accepting the reality that our loved one is physically gone and recognizing that this new reality is the permanent reality.
Remember to give yourself permission to “let go” and release any emotions you are experiencing. It’s normal to feel this way and it’s normal to be depressed when a loved one dies. We must go through these emotions to allow the healing process to begin.
Grief is painful, tough, and exhausting. There is no easy way around grief. Take it day by day. Don’t set any expectations for yourself. Keep a journal if this helps you process your emotions and find support as you go through your loss. This is especially helpful if you have lost a child. Find a support group with other parents who have lost a child. This has been found to be very therapeutic.
Please see video clip about this topic, click here to view
The 5 Love Languages of Children- Click Here!
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Helping When a Child Loses A Loved One
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