Grief & Healing
Grief is universal. Often, people describe grief as passing through 5 or 7 stages. The 5 stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, with the additional 2 steps elaborating on these to address the complexities of grief more comprehensively. These stages can vary widely from person to person, but often look like this:
Shock and Denial
An initial reaction to the loss of a loved one, marked by disbelief and numbness. The mind struggles to process reality, slowly absorbing the loss.
Pain and Guilt
As the initial shock wears off, it is replaced by profound emotional pain, feelings of guilt, and feelings of regret over things left unsaid and undone. This stage often comes with "What if..." statements regarding the loved one.
Anger and Bargaining
Frustration and helplessness lead to anger, a secondary emotion. This anger may be directed at oneself, others, or a higher power. Bargaining follows, characterized by attempts to desperately negotiate a way to reverse or lessen the loss.
Depression
Deep sadness sets in as the true extend of the loss is fully realized. This stage is often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and a diminished interest in life.
Working Through
The individual begins to rebuild their life, finding ways to move forward while still honoring the memory of their loved one. This stage involves practicality and finding new routines.
Acceptance and Hope
The final stage involves coming to terms with the loss and finding a new normal, while fostering a sense of hope for the future. While the pain may never fully subside, a way to live with it is found. Acceptance does not mean forgetting, but rather learning to cherish the loved one and live with the loss in a way that allows for forward movement
Grieving is a personal journey, experienced differently by everyone. Grief is not linear. These stages are neither always all experienced nor always experienced in a linear fashion. These stages can also overlap, and it's normal to move back and forth between them. There is no set timeline or date that heals our wounds, but with time, we grow and grief takes up less of our hearts.
Local Grief Groups
Grief is an overwhelming emotion. It is not unusual or shameful to look to professional help to cope with the loss of a loved one. Our friends at Crater Community Hospice offer free support groups for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
