The Grieving Process:

Introduction

Grief is a universal human experience, encompassing various thoughts and emotions that affect a person’s physical, mental, and emotional state. Although most commonly associated with the loss of a loved one, it can also arise from significant life changes and transition periods. However, it is important to note that the grieving process is not linear and that every individual’s relationship to grief is different. Grief can feel unbearable at times, especially if it is in response to traumatic loss, but recognizing your emotions and knowing that other people are experiencing similar feelings can provide some semblance of comfort. Models such as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s five stages of grief offer an insight into what the instinctual response to loss can feel like. 

The Stages of Grief 

1. Denial

Denial, the first stage of grief, is a frequent initial response to a considerable change or loss in one’s life. Immediately denying the news can provide an escape from the overwhelming emotions that will come up if it is believed to be reality. As you exit the denial stage, the intense emotions that you have been repressing will emerge. This can be a challenging reality to confront, but it is a reality that is necessary to continue the healing process.

2. Anger

During the second stage of grief, individuals often harbor resentment and frustration towards themselves and others. You may blame others in your life or even question why the loss occurred in the first place. As you leave this stage, you become more ready to connect with your true emotions and begin to think logically about the next steps ahead.

3. Bargaining

Bargaining, the third stage of grief, involves the creation of hypothetical “what if” questions in an attempt to gain control over the situation. It symbolizes a strong desire to reverse the outcome of the loss and wanting to feel like you could have done something to resolve it. Bargaining also acts as a way to delay your true emotions associated with the loss.

4. Depression

Depression inevitably occurs when an individual experiences the full gravity of their loss. In this stage, the magnitude of the loss can feel so overwhelming that you constantly feel a sense of sadness or hopelessness. You may also want to isolate yourself from the people around you. Remember to process the emotions tied to the loss in a healthy manner and know that you can lean on your support system during this time.

5. Acceptance

The final stage of grief, acceptance, occurs when one has come to terms with the role grief plays in their day-to-day life. Although you still may experience bad days, recognizing and understanding how the loss impacts you comes with a sense of calm and allows you to move forward in your life.

Healing From Grief 

Although the grieving process may be a rollercoaster that can sometimes feel overwhelming and impossible to get better, it is certainly possible with time and the right amount of support from your loved ones. One of the most significant ways to heal from grief is through face-to-face support of others which would give you the comfort of confiding in someone while also preventing you from isolating yourself, worsening the pain. In addition, acknowledging and learning how to express your emotions is crucial, as suppressing grief can lead to long-term impacts in your mental health. This can be done by engaging in healthy coping mechanisms, such as journaling, or joining support groups that provide a safe space for you to process emotions and seek comfort in others. 

Additionally, maintaining physical well-being through focusing on your health by exercising and eating more healthy can improve emotional resilience during the grieving process. It is important to ensure that your physical health is looked after in this difficult process as your mental and physical health is influenced by one another. It is also vital to understand that grief is a personal and irregular process that requires time and resilience to overcome in which this process differs from everyone. By surrounding yourself with supportive people and looking after yourself, this process can be overcome with time and patience which are the key elements to consider when understanding the inconstant nature in the process of grief.

Takeaways

The process of grief is an unpredictable process that can be overcome with patience, support, and self-compassion. Through healthy means of healing, individuals can seek support from their loved ones nurture their physical health, and slowly accept their loss. While grief may not be something that disappears, it can turn into an important part of life, influencing our growth and shaping the person we are today. At times, the path to recovery may seem rough and unattainable, however, it is important to acknowledge how everyone’s path to growth is different and unique in their ways. By embracing the process and seeking help when needed, it is possible to rediscover the joy of life and move forward with a newfound sense of strength and purpose in our lives.

Works Cited

Smith, M., MA, Robinson, L., & Segal, J., PhD. (2024, October 23). Coping with Grief and Loss: Stages of Grief and How to Heal. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss

Need Help Dealing with Grief? - GriefShare. (n.d.). https://www.griefshare.org/

Coping with grief and loss. (2024, July 15). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/grief-and-mourning/coping-grief-and-loss

Home. (n.d.). The Grief Recovery Method. https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/