Stages of Grief

At some time in our lives, all of us must face the reality of death. Understanding the 10 stages of grief can help make the process easier.

  1. Shock and Surprise
    News of someone's death is always a shock.
  2. Emotional Release
    This is only the beginning of the grief process.
  3. Loneliness
    After the funeral, when family and friends have gone home, loneliness and depression can begin.
  4. Physical Distress
    A grieving person can develop physical symptoms.
  5. Panic
    Feelings of losing control are common.
  6. Guilt
    The surviving person dwells on things that could have been done for the deceased.
  7. Hostility and Rejection
    Survivors sometimes blame friends and relatives for not doing enough for the deceased.
  8. Lassitude 
    A person suffers in silence and at times, may contemplate suicide.
  9. Gradual overcoming of grief
    This stage may begin as early as four weeks or as long as a year or more.
  10. Readjustment
    People reach this stage at varying times.