In grief, there are often different “stages of grief”. If you want to know more about grief, then just read on!
Grief, what is it actually?
Grief is a very normal and natural reaction to a loss. There are many different things you can lose and therefore many different reasons for grieving. You can lose loved ones, e.g. through a break-up in a relationship, a change of residence, divorce or even death. But you can also be sad because you lose a pet. You see, there are endless losses that hurt. We then try to process these losses through mourning. So mourning also means letting go.
Stages of grief
Grief often follows a certain pattern, which means that grieving people go through certain phases in their grief.
First phase: In the first phase, you first go through a real shock. “No, no, this can’t be happening. This can’t be true. This can’t be happening.” In most cases, the news of the loss of a loved one triggers a shock. This shock is particularly severe when the loss is sudden and unexpected. One cannot grasp it, cannot comprehend it.
Second phase: In the second phase, one experiences a wide variety of feelings. There is often a real emotional chaos of grief, fear, anger, helplessness, feelings of guilt, cheerfulness … It is very important to allow your feelings and to show them.
Third phase: In the third phase, the time spent together with the loved one is often relived in thought. The mourners often withdraw in this phase because they simply need the time for themselves. At the end of this phase, one can accept that one has lost something very important.
Fourth phase: In the fourth and last phase, the mourner begins to devote himself increasingly to normal life again. Of course, there are still frequent setbacks during this time, but one is increasingly able to lead a normal life again and to keep the lost person in good memory. The pain subsides and the grieving process comes to an end.
Phases are very individual
It is also important to know that these phases are very individual for each person. Of course, there can always be a time, even after these phases, when you feel particularly sad again, e.g. on your birthday.
If you still cannot find a way out of your grief after some time, seek help from people you trust or from counseling centers.
Grief, this is how you can help yourself.
For further help and support — Speak with a licensed therapist today.