Losing a loved one is difficult, and the emotions felt can range and change as you grieve, especially when planning funeral services. In Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ book On Death and Dying, the author lays out the five stages of grief that people often feel after a loss. Here is a guide to each and how to cope.

What You Need to Know About the 5 Stages of Grief

1. Denial

Usually, the first stage is denial, which often comes with numbness and difficulty believing that your loved one has died. Many find it hard to accept the loss, which leads to denial and shock, as well as isolation, as the world now feels empty without that person. It may interfere with your ability to plan funeral services, and enlisting a close loved one to assist is recommended. While taking time alone is okay, staying in contact with close family and friends will help.

2. Anger

Anger may be directed at anything from the doctors and other family members to objects and yourself. Those in this stage often feel frustrated with both big and small details and tasks, and feelings of being overwhelmed often feed into the aggression. Talking out your feelings with someone close or a professional will help you keep anger from taking over.

3. Bargaining

Bargaining usually happens when people feel that a change in their actions will alter the situation. Those in this stage rely on what-ifs and deals with the universe to fix the situation. Many often feel helpless at this point. It is hard to accept that the death was beyond your control, and, oftentimes, this leads to guilt, which is a normal reaction.

4. Depression

When day-to-day tasks seem pointless and motivation to do anything is low or gone, you have entered the depression stage of grief. Losing someone is difficult, and feeling depressed is normal. If these feelings interfere with self-care or you begin to have thoughts of harming yourself or others, it is best to seek help from a professional.

5. Acceptance

Eventually, you will enter the acceptance phase where you learn to live in a world without your loved one. This stage doesn’t erase your sadness, but you will have gotten to a point where you have accepted this new way of living. Acceptance can take a long time, and no two people grieve the same way. Give yourself as much time as needed to move through each stage.

Since 1975, Arndt Funeral Home LLC has provided 24-hour compassionate services to clients who have lost a loved one. Located in Rochester, NY, the funeral home has a chapel on-site, as well as abundant resources to help with funeral arrangements and preplanning. They also provide urns, caskets, and cremation options. For funeral services, call (585) 225-6350. Stop by the funeral home’s website for their grief support offerings.