1. The 5 Stages of Grief

2. Death of Loved Ones:
Denial & Isolation
Bargaining
Acceptance

3. 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

4. Denial & Isolation Normal reaction to overwhelming feelings
Helps buffer the shock
Isolating yourself from family/friends so that you can ignore the facts

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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