Losing a loved one can feel like the end of the world. This is due to the grief of never being able to see your loved one again, the prospect of going on without them, and just living. The task of living didn’t previously seem daunting, but now even just breathing takes so much effort. It’s categorized as various stages based on the Kübler-Ross model:
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The shock phase: this is marked by a lack of understanding. You feel confused, can’t process what has happened to you, and just don’t get why everyone’s crying. Your body is in shock because you have been hit with the horrible and unexpected news. There is also a hint of denial in this phase.
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The numb phase: this phase comprises of feeling cold, empty, and like you’re in a void. You can’t feel any emotions, don’t know how to feel, or what to do. You just feel so helpless, confused, and lost, unsure of what the future even holds for you.
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The crying phase: all you do is cry. Anything can trigger this, from a bad grade on a test to dealing with a rude cashier. Your emotions start to become overwhelming because you have to accept reality – you are no longer in the shock phase.
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The angry phase: your grief turns into anger. You’re angry at the world, at the annoying person in your class, at your friends, at simply everyone. You start to get grossed out by people saying “I’m sorry,” or the people giving you pitying looks, Your tolerance for anything is at an all-time low, you just have no patience, but it is important not to be hurtful towards any other person.
It takes so much time to heal and recover, and even then you can’t completely move on. Grief takes time, and it is important to address your loss in a healthy way. This is pivotal to your own healing. Always remember you are never alone. You can also choose to confide in a counselor or a professional, depending upon your own personal preferences. Lastly, I’m sorry you’re in this position that you are in and are reading this article. But you will persevere and get through this – there is no timeline on when you’ll “move on.”
For more information about this grief-model, check out:
https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-5-stages-of-loss-and-grief/