Stages of Grief

Everyone will experience grief at some point in their lifetime. Grieving is a private and individual experience. The new emotions can seem overpowering and perplexing. Often the thoughts and feelings are not organized or logical. It doesn't adhere to any timetables or plans. You can feel a range of emotions including being sad, angry, isolated, or empty.

It's crucial to keep in mind that every individual's mourning process is unique and might be complex. You can recover from a loss by giving yourself permission to feel sadness in your own way. The stages are:

Denial - This is the initial reaction many people experience. A typical defense tactic that might aid in reducing the impact of the unpleasant situation's initial shock.

Anger - Anger has a disguising function, whereas denial may be viewed as a coping strategy. Many of the feelings and pain you are carrying are hidden by your anger.

Bargaining - This stage allows you to maintain hope in the face of excruciating agony. If your life can be returned to the way it was prior to the loss, you’ll be ready to give up everything.

Depression - Depression appears to be a peaceful stage of grieving, in contrast to the aggressive feelings of rage in bargaining.

Acceptance - Acceptance is the last of the five stages of grief. We don't stop feeling the grief of loss when we reach a point of acceptance. Rather, we are no longer fighting against the facts of our circumstances or attempting to change them.

As you go through the grieving process, take the time you need and let go of whatever expectations you may have about how you should be responding.