Coping with Illness, Loss, and Grief
Grief is a normal response to any loss, whether you lose an opportunity, a loved one, or even the narrative of your healthy life.
Components of Grief
Most grief experiences have several distinct components to them. Though often called "stages," these components may happen at the same time or out-of-order.
01
Denial
You may not realize you were in denial until after you move beyond it. When in denial, we may behave as though nothing is wrong, or we may feel numb.
03
Bargaining
Bargaining goes along with denial. When in denial we humans disconnect from reality. When bargaining, we try to negotiate a change in reality. We may fantasize about going back and making a change that would avoid the loss we're facing.
02
Anger
It is normal to feel angry about what you are going through. It feels terrible and unfair. You may blame yourself or someone else. You may even blame God.
04
Depression
Depression is the pain and sadness you may feel about your loss. This feeling can be intense, even overwhelming. See below for resources.
05
Acceptance
Because our emotional state is fluid, acceptance might not feel permanent when you first experience it. However, with time, you will spend more and more time in the more easeful space of acceptance.
Find Resources
Journaling
According to the University of Rochester, Journaling can help three main ways:
Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve your mood by:
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Helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns
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Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them
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Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors