Grieving a lost loved one doesn’t begin or end with funeral services. From the moment you lose your loved one, you embark on a journey of learning how to accept it and heal. It may feel overwhelming at first, but with time, guidance, and support, you can cope with it in a manner that provides a foundation for moving on. Below, learn ways to cope with this difficult situation. 

What Are the Stages of Grief? 

The five stages of grief are the pathways to coping with loss of any kind. Although they’re usually experienced in order, they can get switched around, and you may go through some of them more than once. The stages include the following: 

• Denial: Your mind may reject the notion that your loved one is truly gone. You may be emotionally numb to the situation. 

• Anger: You may also feel furious about the loss. Often, this includes blaming another person or entity, even yourself. 

• Bargaining: You may pray to a higher power, the universe, or some other entity to get your loved one back. 

• Depression: Sadness may overcome you. For a while, you might find it difficult to enjoy daily tasks. 

• Acceptance: You will begin to internalize the loss as permanent and move on. You never forget or diminish the importance of your loved one, but you’re also not ruled by their absence. 

Depending on your personal grief journey, you could be experiencing any of these stages during the funeral services and beyond. 

How Can You Handle These Stages? 

Although each stage of grief is unique, they can each be endured with many of the same resources and methods. For example, it’s normal to have a single strong emotion or a wide range of them, and you can explore them with constructive means of expression or meditation, like writing, art, or exercise. Allow yourself to process whatever you must without apology or guilt.

Also, maintain a support group of friends and family members. They can listen to you, help you prepare for and endure the funeral services, and continue offering assistance with your day-to-day tasks afterward. Even the funeral director can be a source of strength. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs and experiences to your support group. 

With time, you’ll pass through each stage of grief. You may always mourn this loss and feel constantly aware of your loved one’s absence, but you can learn to live normally again, and perhaps even with a new appreciation for your life. 

For guidance with planning sensitive and beautiful funeral services, contact Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Inc. Funeral Home in Middletown, NY. Having been founded in 1900, they have extensive experience supporting mourners through the grieving process, from the time of death to the graveside services. From the moment you step into the funeral home, you’ll be warmly welcomed and offered whatever help you need. Since they’re available 24/7 all year round, call them today at (845) 343-2142 or message them online to find out how they can assist you through this chapter of your life.