The Five Stages of Grief
Grief is a natural and complex process that we go through when we experience a significant loss. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or a pet, grief can be a difficult and overwhelming emotion to deal with. While everyone experiences grief in their own way, there are commonly recognized stages of grief that can help us understand and cope with our emotions.
Denial
The first stage of grief is often denial, which is a natural defense mechanism that helps us protect ourselves from the shock and pain of the loss. We may find ourselves thinking that the loss isn’t real, or that it hasn’t really happened to us. This stage can be helpful in allowing us to gradually accept the reality of the loss.
Anger
Once the reality of the loss sets in, we may experience anger, which is a normal part of the grieving process. We may feel angry at ourselves, at others, or at the situation that caused the loss. It’s important to remember that anger is a natural emotion, and it’s okay to express it in healthy ways, such as going for a run or taking a kickboxing class to release your anger.
Bargaining
During the bargaining stage, we may find ourselves trying to make deals with a higher power, or trying to find ways to reverse the loss. This stage can be characterized by thoughts like, “If only I had done this differently, maybe things would be different now.” This is a way of trying to regain a sense of control over the situation.
Depression
As we begin to accept the reality of the loss, we may start to feel a deep sense of sadness and depression. This stage can be the most difficult, as we may feel overwhelmed by our emotions and feel like we’ll never be able to move on. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel sad, and to seek support from loved ones or a mental health professional.
Acceptance
The final stage of grief is acceptance, which is when we begin to come to terms with the loss and find a way to move forward. This doesn’t mean that we’re suddenly over the loss, but rather that we’ve found a way to live with it and incorporate it into our lives.
Reviewing the stages of grief
It’s important to remember that these stages of grief are not linear, and everyone experiences them in their own way and on their own timeline. Some people may skip certain stages, or experience them out of order. The important thing is to allow ourselves to feel our emotions and seek support when we need it. With time and support, we can eventually find a way to come to terms with our loss and move forward in a healthy way. If you are currently dealing with a loss, reflect on what stage you may be in and what stages you have been through.
Learn more about the author here: About Therapist Bethany Winter, MA, LPC Barnum Counseling
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