Five Stages of Grief
Understanding and coping with grief when you lose a loved one is an extremely emotional and challenging process. Grief is a natural response following the loss of a loved one, we will all experience a range of emotions and handle the situation differently. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, although, there are five fundamental stages many of us experience.
Denial
Denial is the first stage of grief where someone may struggle to accept the loss of a loved one. Many may often try to reject the fact that they have lost a loved one and feel disconnected. Recognising that this is a normal response and seeking support from friends and family can help to cope when struggling with denial.
Anger
In this stage, an individual may feel angry and frustrated about the loss of a loved one. Anger may even be directed towards close ones, themselves, or the situation itself. Coping strategies can include expressing emotions in a healthy way, such as journaling, exercising, or talking to someone.
Bargaining
During this stage, the person may try to bargain in terms of trying to make a deal with a higher power to change the situation. Individuals may also feel a sense of guilt and try to make promises to reverse the loss of a loved one. Ways to cope can include acknowledging your feelings and recognising that you couldn’t have controlled the outcome.
Depression
This stage may cause a person to feel deep sadness with a sense of hopelessness about the situation. Some people may also feel withdrawn from friends and family. For anyone struggling with depression following the loss of a loved one, it is important to allow yourself to grieve and feel the sadness without judgment. There is a lot of support and professionals are available to help, contact information has been included at the bottom of this blog.
Acceptance
The final stage is when a person begins to come to terms with the loss of a loved one and may feel a sense of peace. Acceptance may start to help to move someone forward, allowing them to focus on their future.
How We Expect to Experience the Five Stages of Grief
How We Actually Experience the Five Stages of Grief
Support
There is a lot of free help, support, and resources available for those who may be struggling with grief, some of these options are:
Cruse Bereavement Support
Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk
Phone: 0808 808 167
Samaritans
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/
Phone: 116 123
For more information on advice and support available click here.
