Mental health articles

The stages of grief
Typically, three stages are described in the human response to loss.
It cannot be true: the stage of denial This happens in the days just after the loss. There is a feeling that the news is false, that the loved one cannot be dead. It is just not possible. This stage of shock is most obvious when the death was sudden. The bereaved person can feel numb,
as if in an unreal, dream-like state. Activities such as the funeral can help the person distance himself from the loss.
I feel miserable: the stage of sadness
This stage usually begins once all the hectic activity surrounding the final rites and funeral are over and the bereaved person is back to his own usual life. The absence of the loved person is now noticed. Sadness and a feeling like searching for the missing person and imagining that she must still be alive are common experiences.
Some people may even hear their name being called or have dreams about the lost person. Some may blame themselves for not having done enough to prevent the death, or get angry that the dead person left them. Crying, sleep problems, loss of interest in activities and meeting people, and even thoughts that life is not worth living can all be experienced in this stage.
It’s time to move on: the stage of reorganisation
This is the final phase of bereavement. For most people it is the time when they accept the loss as part of life and get on with the rest of their own life. Coming to terms with loss is a gradual process. Most people will always think of the lost person now and again. What is
important is that the sadness does not interfere with the ability to enjoy happy moments in life. The real sign that a person has moved on is when he begins to make plans for the future
– a future without the loved person, but still a future with hope.

 

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Tags: grief