1. 7 Stages of Grief (Psychological Lens)

2. People react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. May deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.

3. As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Pain is almost unbearable, but it is important that one experiences the pain fully and not hide it avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.

4. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.

5. Frustration gives way to anger, and one may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else.

6. Just when friends think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection sets in During this time, the magnitude of the loss is realized and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, and focus on memories of the past. Have feelings of emptiness or despair.

7. One starts to adjust to life without their loved one Life becomes a little calmer and more organized Physical symptoms lessen, "depression" begins to lift slightly

8. One becomes more functional, the mind starts working again Begin to start to work on practical and financial problems Begin to reconstruct yourself and your life without loved one

9. One learns to accept and deal with the reality of the situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. You can’t forget but you will find a way forward.

10. Seven Stages of Grief. Recover-from-grief.com. 24 Mar 2012 http://www.recover-from-grief.com/7-stages-of- grief.html