Memorial Day is a holiday that honors those who have served and sacrificed for our country. For many people, it is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. Grief is a natural and universal response to loss. It can leave us feeling sad, angry, and overwhelmed. If you have lost someone close to you, it’s essential to know that what you’re feeling is normal and there are stages of grief that you will go through. In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 stages of grief to help you better understand what you are going through and how to cope with the loss of your loved one on Memorial Day.
Denial:
The first stage of grief is denial. This is a way for your mind to protect you from the full impact of the loss. You may find yourself thinking that the loss didn’t happen or that it is not real. You may also feel that you are in a dream and that everything will return to normal soon. It’s important to let yourself experience this stage, but also to ground yourself in reality and reach out to others for support.
Anger:
The second stage of grief is anger. It is typical to feel angry after a loss. You may feel that the loss is unfair, and you may direct your anger at people and things that had nothing to do with the loss. It’s important to express your anger in a healthy way, such as through exercise, art, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.
Bargaining:
The third stage of grief is bargaining. This is when you may find yourself trying to negotiate with a higher power to return your loved one, or you may think about all the things you wish you had done or said differently. It’s important to be gentle with yourself during this stage and recognize that you cannot change the past.
Depression:
The fourth stage of grief is depression. This is when the full reality of the loss starts to sink in, and you may feel overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. It’s important to acknowledge and process your emotions during this stage, but also to seek professional support if needed.
Acceptance:
The final stage of grief is acceptance. This does not mean that you are okay with the loss, but it means that you have come to terms with the reality of your loss and are starting to think about how to move forward. It’s important to remember that the stages of grief are not linear and that everyone experiences grief differently.
Losing a loved one is hard, but it’s essential to know that what you’re feeling is normal, and there are stages of grief that you will go through. Remember to take care of yourself during this process and seek professional support if needed. Jennifer Jay Marcenelle is an integrative health and wellbeing practitioner who specializes in helping people through grief. If you or someone you know needs support during this difficult time, please reach out to her. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you all the best as you navigate through the stages of grief.
