Losing someone you have known for a long time leaves a huge empty space that feels impossible to fill. Whether it is your spouse or a friend you have known all your life dealing with their loss is really tough and very personal. Understanding how grief works can help you get through this time.

The Stages of Bereavement

Grief is a path with no clear end. Most people go through a cycle of emotions that can change:

• Denial: You might feel shocked or numb. This helps you to not feel all emotions at once.

• Anger: You could feel angry with yourself doctors or even the person who passed away. This is a reaction to the unfairness of losing someone.

• Bargaining: You might think, “If only I had done things differently.” This is a way to try to control something that’s not controllable.

• Depression: The reality of not having the person around sets in. It is common to feel very sad, tired or want to be alone.

• Acceptance: It does not mean you are fine with the loss. It means you have started to accept that they are really gone and you are moving forward.

Finding Support

You do not have to deal with grief by yourself. Getting help from others can give you a perspective to keep moving forward.

• Professional Counseling: Look for therapists who’re good at helping with complicated grief. They can provide a space to deal with your emotions.

• Support Groups: These groups connect you with people who have lost someone too. You can find groups through community centers places that help people who are dying or hospitals.

• Online Communities: If you cannot find help sites like GriefShare or the Alliance of Hope have online forums and meetings.

Be kind, to yourself. Grief is a process, not something you can complete. If everyday tasks become too hard consider getting help from a professional. Your healing is important.