GRIEF IS DEFINED AS: an acute reaction to a major loss; is it felt throughout the body, via one's emotions and physiology; it is distinguished as unhappiness, sorrowful, painful, debilitating, and in severe cases, causes a departure from reality. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross theorized that grief follows a 5 stage pattern, as follows: Stage 1- DENIAL Stage 2- ANGER Stage 3- BARGAINING Stage 4- DEPRESSION Stage 5- ACCEPTANCE A major loss can encompass loss of home, job, loved one, marriage, financial security, household members, friends, pets , faith, and objects. It is human nature to reach out for consolation during times of grief as it is for others to offer a listening ear or well meant advise. Platitudes such as," He lived a long life," "You can always get another dog," "You can marry again," "Things can be replaced," really are not helpful to the person who is experiencing the grief. Speaking with someone who is trained to help others experience the grieving process in a calm, accepting manner offers the most relief and commonly shortens the grieving process. People are given cognitive and emotional skills to deal with and eventually accept the loss in order to successfully move on in life. Most importantly, the grieving individual learns to let go of the sorrow and regain happiness. Don't grieve alone. Call for a consultation. |