Psychiatrist and grief specialist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who famously identified the five stages of the grieving process, once said, "The five stages---denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance---are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with the one we lost. They are tools to help us frame and identify what we may be feeling. But they are not stops on some linear timeline in grief."

The deviating and varying course of grief is a highly individual one, but experts have discovered several important tips for dealing with loss in a healthy way. For residents in northern Kentucky who are facing a loss, trust Middendorf Funeral Home for all your funeral needs; they have been providing memorable, affordable funeral services to the Fort Mitchell area for over 150 years.

Finding a support system is vital to managing one's grief. Reach out to those around you, whether friends, family members, colleagues, or spiritual advisors, and talk about your feelings. Sharing your thoughts, crying, remembering, and connecting with another person goes a long way in helping move you through the grieving process. Don't be afraid to ask for help from those around you. If need be, seek a grief support group through your local hospital.

Take care of yourself. Make sure you are eating regular meals, sleeping enough, and getting at least a small amount of physical exercise. When overwhelmed with grief, take a stroll outdoors and breathe in some fresh air; this simple mindfulness of the moment can help calm the mind and center you in your body.

After the funeral, construct rituals that honor the memory of your loved one and support your grieving. Studies have demonstrated that small rituals stave off the depression that often accompanies grief. Examples include visiting a graveyard on a special anniversary or lighting a candle on a departed loved one's birthday.

For funeral information, contact Middendorf Funeral Home at (859) 341-7800. They will help you devise the perfect celebration to honor the life of the one you've lost. Call today to speak with a caring staff member who can help you through the funeral planning process.