Loss And Grief (By Megan Gressor)

Stages of grief
- Shock:- Numbness, disbelief. Serves as the mind's way of protecting itself from too much bad news all at once.
- Denial:- Refuses to accept the loss. Declines with time.
- Intense emotions:- Overwhelming emotions, rage, grief, regrets, fear, anxiety, helplessness. Euphoria is the mind's way of giving itself a break from exhausting emotions.
- Bargaining:- "If only I do this......"
- Depression:- Sad hopelessness, feel apathetic and tired. Withdrawn and no interest in anything.
- Acceptance:- Come to terms with loss.

Note:- These stages may not come in this order and may pass faster or slower for different people.

Factors affecting how people can cope
- Prepareness for the news
- Relationship with the deceased
- Acompanying changesL- A sense of loss is compounded if it involved other major life changes
- Health and state of mind:- A positive/robust person is likely to be more resilient
- Access to a support network:- Supporters should not interrupt, listen carefully. Don't use well-meaning advice.

Note
- Don't neglect and increase his isolation. Men tend to retreat into themselves at times of loss, only venting frustrations alone.
- Children regress to infantile behaviour, become clingy and insecure.
- Grief is like losing an arm, never 100% healed but can learn to work around it and enjoy life again.

Toll taken by grief
- Stress and disease:- Suppress the immune system, more susceptible to infection and disease, such as indigestion, exhaustion, insonmia
- Depression:- Frequent bouts of tear, feelings of numbness, hopelessness and withdrawal
- Loss of identity:- Losing someone important makes us feel like losing a part of ourselves
- Loss of self-esteem:- "I'm useless.'