GRIEFING

We all react to loss differently, we grief differently, some go through all the five stages while some skip some and end up at the last stage.

Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be.

Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges.

Grief:

1. Sadness – normal state
2. Self-blame to omissions & commission

• Demeanour elicits, sympathy, support and consolation

1. The response is accepted as normal and appropriate by the grieving person and others

Depression:

1.         expressions of worthlessness, bad or evil
2.                complaints and laments of this may elicit irritation and annoyance

iii.      comes across as something definitely wrong with the person

iv       previously depressed will experience depression at a time of major

loss

1. may threaten suicide

Stages of mourning in Adults

1. Numbness or protest
2. Yearning or searching behaviour for months or years; weeping and anger are characteristic
3. Despair/disorganization
4. Reorganization – cherished memories

Stages of Mourning in Children

1. Protest
2. Despair – hopelessness

First Detachment – then begins to show interest in his surroundings; activity leads to hyperactivity.

If you see anyone that has gone through all the stages and doesn’t seem to be getting better, kindly reach out for help on their behalf.