The stages of grief
The stages of grief can last for weeks, months, or even years, but the pain can lessen over time. In 1969, Swiss-American psychiatrist and researcher, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross defined the five stages of grief as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This model was developed to explain the different stages everyone experiences while grieving. Not everyone experiences the stages in the same way and there is no timeline for the length of each period. Some research has found that the most intense symptoms of grief reach their worst during the six months after the loss or death of a loved one, but it’s not unusual for grief to last as long as several years. It’s important to remember that everyone mourns differently and there is no timeline for grief. Uncomplicated or normal grief usually lasts within the first two years but more profound and intense grief, known as complicated grief, can last longer and be more draining.Coping with loss
Grieving takes a physical toll on the body. Experiencing loss is an extreme stressor that can overwork your nervous system, cause a weakened immune system, and cause behavioral changes. It’s important to know the signs to look for them in yourself or in loved ones so you can take good care of yourselves. Physical symptoms can include:- High blood pressure
- Exhaustion or trouble sleeping
- Stomach or digestive problems
- A weakened immune system
- Pains and aches
- Chest pains or feeling as though your heart is racing
- Jaw clenching or muscle tension
- Headaches, shaking, or dizziness
- Feeling directionless, lost, or confused about your life
- Losing hope about the future
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Struggling to make decisions