Emotional Aspects of Grief

Emotional Aspects of Grief

The death of a loved one is an experience that we all face at some time in our lives. Grieving takes place after any sort of loss but most powerfully after the death of someone we love. To mourn deeply for someone we have loved is entirely normal.

Bereavement is a very distressing experience that is a very individual journey. You may experience very different emotions and feelings at different times. There is no right or wrong way and there is no set time scale to the process of grieving.

People often experience feelings of numbness, disbelief, denial, shock, anger, agitation, bargaining, pining, yearning, depression, guilt and, eventually, acceptance. Most people will begin to adjust within 1 - 2 years.

Even when death comes at the end of a long illness, where it was expected, you are still likely to be left in a state of shock. This may leave you feeling completely numb. You may even find it hard to cry. It is important to acknowledge and express your feelings. It is part of a natural and healing process.

You may feel some or all of the following: • Guilt • Panic • Self-pity • Anger (even with the deceased) • A sense of despair

You may also find that feelings about previous losses come to the surface. It is important to remember that these feelings and reactions may come and go during bereavement.

Your feelings may change from hour to hour and from day to day. One day you may feel you are coping. The next day you may be overwhelmed by feelings of sadness and loneliness. It is quite normal to have ups and downs like this.

You may continue to have days when you feel overwhelmed by grief for many months and sometimes years.

As time goes on, most people will begin to adjust and have more good days than bad. They find they start to have times when their feelings are less intense and they can begin to look to the future.

Life will never be the same again following the death of a relative or friend, but it can continue and be fulfilling in a different way.