Grief is a universal human experience, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and challenging aspects of life. It’s a complex process, often marked by a series of emotional stages. Grief is a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion, whether the sadness stems from loss of a loved one, a devastating illness, homelessness and other major events.

Each person’s grief journey is unique, of course. The way we grieve can be influenced by factors including culture, personality, religious beliefs and the context of the loss. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. However, acknowledging and expressing your feelings is a crucial part of the healing process.

Grief is a Natural Pain Response to Loss 

The impact of grief extends beyond emotions. It can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like fatigue, insomnia and changes in appetite. Ignoring or suppressing  sadness can lead to complications like prolonged depression. 

7 stages of grief, explained

In the 1060s, American-Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first highlighted the basic stages of grief as a subjective teaching model for healthcare providers. Her research teams identified patterns that, today, help medical  practitioners empathy and understanding to patients and their families. 

​​There’s no time limit for grief. One person may experience and process all the stages of grief in a matter of months, while another person can take years to move through all seven stages of grief.  

  1. Shock. The initial stage is often characterized by disbelief and numbness. It’s the body’s way of cushioning the immediate impact of the loss.
  2. Denial. As the shock wears off, it’s common to struggle with accepting the new reality. Denial serves as a defense mechanism, allowing people to process gradually.
  3. Anger. As reality sets in, it’s normal to feel fury. This can be directed inward, toward others or to a person who left or died, for instance.
  4. Bargaining. This stage involves wrestling with “what if” and “if only” statements. It’s an attempt to regain control and avoid the pain of loss.
  5. Depression. As the full weight of the loss is felt, it’s common to experience deep sadness, loneliness and despair.
  6. Testing. This stage involves seeking realistic solutions for dealing with the loss and managing the grief.
  7. Acceptance. Final stage is acknowledging the loss and learning to live with it.

These stages are not linear and it’s common to move back and forth between stages, or to skip some altogether. The key is to allow yourself to feel and express your emotions as they come.

A grief counselor can help you cope with grief

Understanding how to accept grief and its side effects can be overwhelming. This is where grief counseling comes into play. Grief counseling provides a safe space for a person to process their emotions and learn daily coping skills. A counselor is specially trained to help manage the complex emotions associated with loss.

A common misconception about grief counseling is that it’s only for people who can’t cope on their own – and that’s just not true. Grief counseling can benefit anyone dealing with loss, regardless of the intensity or duration of their grief. Counseling provides tools and resources that can help someone heal and find a way to live with the loss. 

More benefits of grief counseling:

  • Helps with acceptance and the integration of loss into a patient’s life
  • Addresses unresolved issues through bereavement counseling
  • Provides guidance in finding new meaning and purpose after a loss 
  • Offers clinical, professional help in cases of severe or prolonged grief 

Practical strategies for coping with grief  

Coping with grief is a deeply personal process. However, there are some practical strategies that can help manage the emotional pain and navigate the journey towards healing. More strategies for accepting and understanding deep sadness are: 

  • Build a support system including friends, family and local support groups 
  • Use creative outlets like art and journaling as coping mechanisms  
  • Maintain a healthier lifestyle by exercising, sleeping sufficiently and engaging in activities that you enjoy 
  • Join trusted online forums and communities for peers who may also be grieving  
  • Seek professional help when grief becomes overwhelming or prolonged 
  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques (like yoga) whenever you can 

When to get professional help 

Grief is a natural response to loss, but sometimes it can become overwhelming. If grief is interfering with your daily life, or if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it may be time to seek professional help. This is especially true if these feelings persist for weeks or months.

Grief and bereavement therapy on an outpatient basis can provide a safe space to express your feelings and learn coping strategies. There’s no shame in seeking help. It’s an important step towards healing and self-acceptance.

Contact us

The Vines Hospital in sunny Ocala, FL, offers mental health and addiction treatments for adults and adolescents. To learn more about the different services we offer, visit Programs and Services.