The 5 Stages of Grief
Death of Loved Ones: Denial & Isolation Bargaining Acceptance
Going through the Stages Grief is different for every person There is no particular order for the Stages The goal of grief is to reach an acceptance of the loss of a loved one Loss of
Denial & Isolation Normal reaction to overwhelming feelings Helps buffer the shock Isolating yourself from family/friends so that you can ignore the facts
Anger Denial fades and the pain returns- Anger can be expressed at a variety of things: Deceased person(s) Remaining friends/family Guilt from anger makes us more angry
Bargaining Reaction to feelings of helplessness “If only I had….” Making a deal with a higher power “If I go to church every day, let me grandma live one more year” Generally a brief stage of grief, because
Depression 2 Types: Worry about costs Worry about neglecting others in our grief Separating from loved one and saying the final “Goodbye” Reassurance, Cooperation, and Hugs are usually what we look for during this time
Acceptance Not everyone reaches Acceptance Some hang onto Denial and Anger Terminally Ill patients also go through a period of Acceptance of their own death Recollections, Moments of Clarity
Mourning Rituals Processes set up by society to help guide through the grief process Funeral Body vs. Ashes These events are generally accompanied by rich “comfort” foods for the grieving family members