Grief is a normal response to the death of a beloved family member or friend according to the National Institutes of Health. Feelings of grief may cause you to lose interest in work and other activities, experience crying spells and suffer from sleep disturbances, says the NIH. Even though grief is a personal and unique experience, author Elizabeth Kubler-Ross identified five stages of grief in her book "On Death and Dying."
Disbelief and Isolation
The first stage of grief is often a refusal to believe that the loss has occurred. Kubler-Ross notes denial accompanied by isolation can be an initial response to grief. When you are in the infancy of grief, you may withdraw from friends and acquaintances.
Denial may only last for a only a few minutes or persist for an extended period of time. Continuing to deny that a loss has taken place and following well-meaning but misguided advice from others to "look on the bright side" can actually prolong your healing process, points out MemorialHospital.org.
Anger and Blame
The second stage of grief in the death of a loved one is frequently anger, according to Kubler-Ross. You may want to know why you have to suffer from such a monumental loss and may even blame the deceased loved one for causing you so much pain.
If your feelings of anger are overwhelming, you may benefit from secular and faith-based support groups offered in many communities, according to the NIH. Grief support groups may focus on the loss of a spouse, parent or child or be dedicated to a specific causes of death such as suicide or cancer.
Bargaining
Making deals when a loved one dies can be a common part of the grieving process in a desperate attempt to end the overwhelming pain you may be feeling. You may promise to be a better person if God will only bring back your loved one. Writing down your feelings about grief in a journal may be an effective part of the healing process, according to Helpguide.org. Perhaps you want to express things you were unable to share when your loved one was alive. It may also be therapeutic to make a scrapbook of the deceased person's life.
Depression
Overwhelming sadness is probably the most widely experienced symptom of grief according to Helpguide.org. During the depression stage, you may shed many tears and even feel emotionally unstable at times. Kubler-Ross points out that tears can be healing. Physical exertion such as brisk walks, yard work or housecleaning can relieve stress and give you time alone to process your thoughts, according to NIH. Allowing yourself time to get plenty of rest is also important as grief can be very draining.
Acceptance
When anger, sadness and mourning subside, you are able to accept the reality of your loss. Grieving and its stresses pass more quickly with good self-care habits. It can be therapeutic to have a close circle of family or friends. It also helps to eat a balanced diet and drink enough non-alcoholic fluids, notes the NIH.
