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Everyone has to face the fact of death and that it’s natural for those left behind to experience some form of grief. However, research has shown grieving is a complicated process. There’s more than the ive stages people often reference. In fact, there are as many as nine components that have been identi ied, and understanding the different elements can make it easier for those grieving and those supporting them.

1. SHOCK

Shock is the irst reaction of many people as they try to absorb the fact someone close to them has died. It’s important to provide initial support to someone, see to their immediate needs, and even get them medical treatment if necessary.

2. DISORGANIZATION

Disorganization tends to follow shock as the individual inds it dif icult to focus on everyday tasks. A parent may struggle with the routine of getting children fed and ready for school, or an employee might have dif iculty in carrying out their normal tasks.

3. DENIAL

It’s not uncommon for someone to deny the reality of the situation, preferring instead to believe a mistake was made. Some may need coaxing out of this belief if there’s a danger of retreating into it completely. Denial may be stronger if the death was unexpected.

4. DEPRESSION

Depression occurs when the individual suffers feelings of despair and spends a lot of time pining for the deceased person. This does not mean the individual needs medication, but it does indicate the low feelings they may be experiencing.

5. GUILT

While it may seem illogical to outsiders, someone who is bereaved may believe the death is their fault and that perhaps it would not have occurred if they had done, or not done, something. This, in particular, is a problem for young children who don’t have the cognitive maturity to understand they don’t control everything and bad things do happen. It can be an even bigger issue for those affected by suicide, and who convince themselves they should have noticed something.

6. ANXIETY OR PANIC ATTACKS

Sometimes the stress of bereavement can be overwhelming, especially if the individual relied heavily on the deceased, there were complications surrounding the death, or there are money and housing issues to deal with. Medication or other strategies, such as breathing exercises, may help here.

7. AGGRESSION

Feelings are sometimes released as aggression, hostility, or anger. These feelings may be directed toward others or focused internally. Allowing the individual to talk through their feelings can help them manage and release emotions in a way that won’t damage themselves or others.

8. RESOLUTION Resolution occurs when the the worst of the grief has passed and an individual begins to accept the situation.

9. REINTEGRATION

This is the inal element of the grieving process and can happen as soon as a couple of weeks after the death, or more often, about six weeks. The individual starts to rebuild his or her life, though it may feel disloyal moving on and starting to feel more positive about life and the future.

Any event as major as a death creates strong feelings and has an impact on those involved.

Bereavement Counselors

Michele Delafranconi

Summit Mental Health Services

214 East Washington Street Suite A

Minneola, Florida 34715

(352) 364-5544

Summitmentalhealthservices.com

Andy Watson

In Harmony Counseling

2250 Old US Highway 441

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

(352) 458-4291

Samantha Lindmeier

100 South 11th Street Suite 101

Leesburg FL 34748

(352) 503- 1246

Dawn Kokernak

Villages Counseling Center

416 Teague Trail The Villages, Florida 32159

(352) 478-0407

Everyone is different and moves through the stages of grief at a personal pace; it’s normal for someone to experience different elements simultaneously and even to regress on occasion. The cause of death can be a key factor; it may be marginally easier to prepare for death when it’s expected and more dif icult when it’s due to murder or suicide. Some people may

Villagescounselingcenter.com

Jackie Ambrow

E Pluribus, LLC

Eustis, Florida 32736

(888) 315-1883

Hypnosisdoeswonders.com

Saundra S. Scott

Trinity Escape, LLC Counseling & Coaching

240 Mohawk Road Clermont, Florida 34715

(352) 553-4874

Trinityescape.com

Jasmine Parker 357 Plaza Drive

Eustis, Florida 32726

(321) 337-0454

Pamela Hand 4820 HWY 19A Suite 2

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

(352) 508-4337

Jerry F. Phillips

Upper Room Counseling struggle more with feelings of guilt or thoughts of having to continue without the person they’ve lost.

Grief is rarely easy to deal with or to watch. Perhaps, however, it can be made more bearable for the bereaved and those who love them by having an idea of what’s involved and knowing that, given time, the worst of it will pass.

Center, Inc. 3420 US HWY 24/441

Fruitland Park, Florida 34731

(352) 435-4631

Upperroomcounselingcenter. com

Suzanne Howard

Central Florida Counseling & Psychological Services

1514 W. Main St.

Leesburg FL. 34748

(352) 503-0164