The stages of grief
In truth, the process of grief is not a cut and dried
process that can be subdivided into strict categories. Rather, the grief
process is a continuum, with each person experiencing it in a different way.
Dividing the grief process in to "stages" helps the grief stricken
person to understand that their experiences and emotions are normal. Some
people will quickly progress through all the phases, while others appear to get
"stuck" in a particular phase. Briefly, the stages of grief are as
follows:
1. SHOCK AND DENIAL
The reality of death has not yet been accepted by the
bereaved. He or she feels stunned and bewildered-as if everything is
"unreal".
2. ANGER
The grief stricken person often lashes out at family,
friends, themselves, God, the Veterinarian or the world in general. Bereaved
people will also experience feelings of guilt or fear during this stage.
3. BARGAINING
In this stage, the bereaved asks for a deal or reward
from either God, the Veterinarian or the Clergy. Comments like "I'll go to
Church every day, if only my pet will come back to me" are common.
4. DEPRESSION
Depression occurs as a reaction to the changed way of
life created by the loss. The bereaved person feels intensely sad, hopeless,
drained and helpless. The pet is missed and thought about constantly.
5. ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance comes when the changes brought upon the
person by the loss are stabilized into a new lifestyle.
(Source: Pets at Peace)
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