THE 5 STAGES OF GRIEF Death of Loved

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