The Seven Stages of Grief

The Seven Stages of Grief

Do you know that grieving is a process?

- from recover-from-grief.com

Seven Stages of Grief

A grieving person passes through seven stages. They may occur in any order, and some stages may occur simultaneously.

They are: 

1) Shock and Denial, an attempt to avoid pain by denying the loss; 

2) Pain and Guilt, a period of devastating pain and feelings that life is chaotic; 

3) Anger and Bargaining, including emotional outbursts that can permanently damage relationships and attempts to bargain with a higher power for relief from the emotional pain; 

4) Depression and Loneliness, or a period of reflection during which the person realizes the full impact of the loss; 

5) Upward turn, when the person begins to adjust to the loss; 

6) Reconstruction of life without the loved one; 

7) Acceptance and Hope. Acceptance does not imply happiness. Instead, the grieving person can now reminisce about the loved one without breaking down or feeling overwhelmingly sad.

Remember everyone is different.  We are all dummies when it comes to grieving.  The process may last for weeks, months or years depending on the person.  There is no wrong way to grieve.   At this time I believe I am in step 5 with some flirtations with steps 3 & 4.    Where are you?  Knowing where you are at and what to expect can be helpful.