The Grieving Process

Grief is a normal human emotion used for getting over a loss, and everyone handles their grief in different ways. Many experts have broken down the process of grief into different stages, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, in the end, the same experts agree that grief is a very personal process that depends entirely on the beliefs and mindset of the person suffering.

Whether or not they undergo the same process as others, there are usually stages of grief that most people experience. The first stage is usually the shock of the sudden loss. The sheer idea of losing someone can send someone into fits of denial and anger. Some people will refuse to accept the news as true, while others may feel completely numb and wonder why they do not feel more pain. Whatever they feel, most people's bodies are in defense mode at this stage of the grieving process and are trying to block any waves of painful emotions. This is where the denial, anger, and bargaining often come in.

Allowing oneself to truly accept the pain and move on is usually the hardest part. Most people will withdraw from the world, constantly think about the loss, and feel guilty at the thought of moving on with life. Other people may try to move on too fast, feel ashamed about grieving for too long, and try to reenter a normal social life too soon. Some people may not know exactly how to feel and will become confused and embarrassed. The important thing is to acknowledge each emotion and to face it head on. Accept the feelings, find support, and deal with the emotions in a healthy and safe way. Never move on because someone says its time. Grief is a personal process that will always depend on the individual.