- SHOCK & DENIAL-
You may react to learning of a loss with disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level to be able to avoid the pain. Shock can provide emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks. - PAIN & GUILT-
As the shock begins to wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although it is excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.
You may also have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase. - ANGER & BARGAINING-
Frustration paves the way to anger and you may lash out and place unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Try your best to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.
You may also start to think- "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back") - "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection may likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair. This is normal to feel this way. - THE UPWARD TURN-
As you start to adjust to life without your loved one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms will lessen, and your "depression" will begin to lift slightly. - RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
As you become more functional, your mind will start working again and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her. - ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-
During this time, you will learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Due to the pain and turmoil that you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.........Reference- recover from grief .com FREE Supports Groups Offered
For Adults of All Ages
Support groups are also for loved ones and family members
Depression, Feeling Hopeless, Anxiety, and Panic- Every 1st Saturday at 10:00am- 11:15am- AND- Every 3rd Monday at 7:00pm- 8:15pmTrauma, PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)- Every 2nd Saturday at 10:00am- 11:15amAbuse Recovery- Every 1st Saturday at 2:00pm- 3:15pmGrief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Infant Loss, and Stillbirth)- Every 3rd Tuesday at7:00pm- 8:15pm
Groups are every month and open-group.Registration is required.The Free Support Groups that I offer are not just for the individuals who are suffering themselves with what a specific support group is about, but also for loved ones and/ or family of those who are going through difficult times.
So if you would like to know more a topic that I have a support group for because someone that you care about is needing help, please let me know what group that you would like to attend and we would love to have you join us.
CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
By Diane Gammon M.S.
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.
Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions
(615) 556-8406
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