As our country is dealing with the lost of the 9 lives in the tragic plane crash, here are the 5 steps of accepting death. Hopefully it can help the loved one, friends or even just our nation to cope with this tragic matter. 1. Denial and Isolation The first reaction to learning of death of a cherished loved one is to deny the reality of the situation. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain. 2. Anger As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger. 3. Bargaining The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control– If only we had sought medical attention sooner… If only we got a second opinion from another doctor… If only we had tried to be a better person toward them… Secretly, we may make a deal with God or our higher power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. This is a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality. 4. Depression Two types of depression are associated with mourning. The first one is a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. The second type of depression is more subtle and, in a sense, perhaps more private. 5. Acceptance Reaching this stage of mourning is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression. Resisting it only will prolong the natural process of healing.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:14:05 +0000