Five stages of Grief

                                     Five stages of Grief 

Denial and Isolation 

The first reaction to learning of terminal illness or death of a cherished loved one is to deny the reality of the situation. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions.  It reminds me when I lost my grandfather.

Anger 

As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as ANGER. Now I realize I was actually in anger after grandfather passed away.

                                                               Bargaining

                                          

The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and is often a need to regain control– I was too young to ask for help 

• If only we had sought medical attention sooner…
• If only we got a second opinion from another doctor…
• If only we had tried to be a better person toward them

                                                                          Depressed

it is a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. Sadness and regret predominate this type of depression. We worry about the costs and burial. I became quiet and speechless after all.

                                                               Acceptance

Reaching this stage of mourning is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. Now I believe that Grandfather is living in heaven, with happy life.