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When someone close to you passes away, it can leave you feeling helpless or lost. The grieving process is difficult and different for everyone, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. However, there are a few basic stages that everyone experiences in their own way, and it’s wise to become familiar with each so that you know what to expect and how you can cope. Remember that grieving is a very personal process and should be honored as such. While you may feel rushed to make funeral arrangements or to get in touch with a funeral director, taking care of yourself first is most beneficial for both you and your family. 

5 Stages of Grieving Following the Loss of a Loved One

1. Denial

When you first receive news that a close relative or friend has passed on, it can be difficult to wrap your mind around the truth. During this time, it’s crucial that you understand that there is no rush and no wrong way to deal with the information. If you feel comfortable, reach out to others who knew the deceased and communicate your feelings to them—often, an empathetic confidant is enough to get you through this fog. 

2. Anger

Many people find themselves feeling frustrated that they were not able to spend more time with the person who passed, or they cannot understand why the departed left the world as soon as they did. This stage of grief is important to the healing process, but it can take a toll on your psyche, so if the feelings of anger start to boil over, reach out to a counselor, friend, or family member. 

3. Bargaining

grievingIn response to a sudden loss, some may try to make sense of the situation by offering a “what if?” or “if only” statement. This is to be expected, but it is nonetheless very difficult to deal with. In most cases, this is a means of coping with the pain and trying to regain control. It’s worth noting that this stage of grief may come sooner or later than anger or depression, but it is entirely valid at every point.

4. Depression

When the funeral occurs, and the death of a loved one becomes more concrete, depression can set in. A deep feeling of sadness is common, and many find that during this time they prefer to be alone. If you feel overwhelmed or buried beneath depressed feelings, reach out to a professional who can help you right away. 

5. Acceptance

As time passes, acceptance will become bearable, and you’ll start to feel like yourself again. Remember that acceptance is not the same as “feeling OK” or forgetting the pain you’ve taken on. 

 

In Amelia, OH, grieving families look to E.C. Nurre Funeral Home for personalized, compassionate arrangement assistance. From casket selection to obituary arrangements, they’ll be by your side each step of the way to answer questions and provide support. For more help, reach out online or by phone at (513) 753-6130.

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