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Writer's pictureSusette Jarvis

Dealing with Grief and Loss: Understanding the Stages of Grief

Updated: Nov 7

Grief and loss are inevitable parts of life. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a cherished possession, the pain of loss can be overwhelming. Coping with grief is a process that takes time and effort, and it's essential to understand the stages of grief and the steps you can take to deal with them.


In this blog, we will discuss the stages of grief and provide

some helpful hints on how to cope with grief and loss.


The Stages of Grief

The stages of grief were first identified by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book "On Death and Dying" in 1969. According to her model, there are five stages of grief that people go through when they experience loss:


Denial:

In this stage, the person is in a state of shock and disbelief about the loss. They may find it difficult to accept the reality of the situation and may cling to hope that things will go back to the way they were before. They may engage in behaviours such as denying the loss, avoiding thoughts or conversations about it, or becoming emotionally numb.


Anger:

As the person begins to come to terms with the loss, they may feel a sense of anger and frustration. They may feel like the loss is unfair and may blame others, themselves, or even a higher power for what happened. The person may express their anger through verbal or physical outbursts, or they may internalize it and become withdrawn.


Bargaining:

In this stage, the person may try to make deals with a higher power or attempt to find ways to avoid the loss. They may make promises or offer sacrifices in the hope that they can change the outcome. For example, a person who has lost a loved one may bargain by promising to donate to charity or attend church regularly in exchange for their loved one's return.


Depression:

As the person begins to realize that the loss is permanent, they may experience feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness. They may withdraw from others and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, or changes in appetite.


Acceptance:

In this final stage, the person begins to come to terms with the loss and starts to move on. They may still feel sadness or grief, but they also begin to experience a sense of peace and acceptance. The person may start to find new ways to cope with their emotions and may begin to engage in activities they once enjoyed.


It's important to note that the stages of grief are not always linear, and people may move back and forth between the stages. It's also normal for different people to experience the stages of grief in different ways and for different lengths of time. Ultimately, the goal of the grieving process is to find a way to come to terms with the loss and find a sense of closure.



Helpful Hints for Dealing with Grief and Loss

Allow yourself to feel your emotions: Grief can bring up a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to guilt and regret. It's important to allow yourself to feel these emotions and not try to suppress them. You can express your emotions in healthy ways, such as talking to someone, writing in a journal, or engaging in creative activities.


Seek support:

It's important to have a support system when dealing with grief and loss. This can be friends, family, a support group, or a therapist. Talking to someone about your feelings and experiences can help you process your grief and feel less alone.


Take care of yourself:

Grief can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. It's important to take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.


Find ways to honour the loss:

Finding ways to honour the person or thing you've lost can be a helpful part of the grieving process. This could be through creating a memorial, writing a letter, or doing something meaningful in their memory. Honouring the loss can help you find a sense of closure and meaning.


Be patient with yourself:

Grieving is a process that takes time. Don't expect yourself to "get over it" quickly. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve at your own pace. Remember that everyone's grieving process is different, and there's no right or wrong way to grieve.


In conclusion

Dealing with grief and loss can be a difficult and painful process. However, by allowing yourself to feel your emotions, seeking support, taking care of yourself, finding ways to honour the loss, and being patient with yourself, you can navigate the grieving process and find a way to move forward. Remember to be kind to yourself and seek help if you need it. With time and effort, you can find a way to honour your loss and find peace.


Watch this video explaining the stages and giving some examples of what you can do to help you cope



Reach out to me with any questions you can put them below or privately DM me on my Facebook page or Instagram or send me an email at susette@susette-holistichealing.com


Love and light to you all 🙏🙌



SUSETTE JARVIS

DipCHP/DipC


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