1. The 5 Stages of Grief

2. Death of Loved Ones: Denial & Isolation Anger Bargaining Depression
Acceptance

3. Going through the Stages
Grief is different for every person
Not all 5 Stages are required
There is no particular order for the Stages
The goal of grief is to reach an acceptance of the loss of a loved one
Loss of friendships
Loss of relationships
Loss of life

4. Denial & Isolation Denying the reality of the situation
Normal reaction to overwhelming feelings
Helps buffer the shock
Temporary response to pain
Isolating yourself from family/friends so that you can ignore the facts

5. Anger
Denial fades and the pain returns- we act out with anger at the return of this pain
Anger can be expressed at a variety of things:
Objects
Deceased person(s)
Doctor of deceased
Remaining friends/family
Guilt from anger makes us more angry

6. Bargaining Reaction to feelings of helplessness
Trying to regain control
“If only I had….”
Making a deal with a higher power
“If I go to church every day, let me grandma live one more year”
Generally a brief stage of grief, because the tactics never pan out

7. Depression
2 Types:
Regret
Worry about costs
Worry about neglecting others in our grief
Preparation
Separating from loved one and saying the final “Goodbye”
Reassurance, Cooperation, and Hugs are usually what we look for during this time

8. Acceptance
Withdrawal from the pain and a sense of calm when discussing the situation
Not everyone reaches Acceptance
Some hang onto Denial and Anger
Terminally Ill patients also go through a period of Acceptance of their own death
Recollections, Moments of Clarity

9. Mourning Rituals
Processes set up by society to help guide through the grief process
Wake/Visitation
Funeral
Burial
Body vs. Ashes
These events are generally accompanied by rich “comfort” foods for the grieving family members