Nagui, Fermary Nicole A.

Bsn 4 - Block 4

Activity 4

7 Stages of Grief
Shock and Denial

The initial stage of grief, shock and denial, is typically the stage when emotions are most profound. The
fact that you have experienced a loss may be evident, but you may still have underlying feelings of shock
or disbelief. During this stage, many people experience physical symptoms such as nausea or vomiting,
difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite or heart palpitations. Feeling emotionally “numb” is also
common. Some people may describe this stage as feeling as if they are watching someone else’s life on
a movie screen or as if they are detached from the reality of what has happened.

Pain and Guilt

Once your shock starts to fade, you'll notice the pain. This is when it first starts to hit you that your loss
is real. The pain may be extremely difficult to handle, and it may feel physical as well as emotional. You
may even start to feel guilty about something you could or should have done for the person (even if it's
illogical). During this stage, it is normal to wonder if you could have done something that would have
prevented the loss or feel remorse for not being able to make peace with a loss loved one. Although
these feelings can feel overwhelming, they are natural emotions related to guilt and it is important to
acknowledge these feelings as part of the healing process.

Anger and Bargaining

It is not uncommon for someone who is grieving to experience feelings of anger or frustration. Some
people may feel angry at a person who caused a loss, such as a drunk driver. Others may have feelings
of anger directed toward God or a higher power for not preventing the loss. Some who grieve
experience anger toward the lost loved one and may blame that person for leaving them. During this
time, some people who are grieving may try to bargain for a chance to have things end with a different
outcome.

Depression, Reflection, and Loneliness

During this stage of grief, a grieving person generally begins to reflect upon the loss they experienced
and how it has affected their life. The reality of the loss may be felt more during this stage, as attempts
to bargain for more time are not realized. Withdrawal from others to deal with feelings of grief alone is
a common occurrence during this stage. While personal time is important, it is also crucial to have a
support system of people to lean on during this stage of grief. Research shows that therapy can help
alleviate depressive symptoms.

The Upward Turn

Finally, just when you think there can't possibly be anything good coming ever again, you'll start to feel a
little better each day. It may be so slight that you don't even realize it at first, and you won't feel happy
all at once. What you may feel is a little less pain, a little less sadness, and more of being okay.

Reconstruction and Working Through

Grief is a process. The process is not always about feeling stressed or overwhelmed, though. During the
reconstruction and working through phase of grief, a grieving person begins to start to work through the
aftermath of loss. This stage is as much a part of the grieving process as all the others. However, it
seems to take a different turn, as during this stage, you can begin to feel a sense of control over your
life.

Acceptance
Acceptance and hope is the final stage of the grieving process. Accepting a loss does not mean that you
simply “get over it.” Rather, it is the part of the process during which you can acknowledge the loss and
feel okay with moving forward with your life and what the new normal is for you.

During this stage, you will likely find that it is easier to talk about the loss you have experienced without
experiencing as significant an impact as you did earlier in the grieving process. While you may have
moments of feeling sad or regretful, this stage typically represents an ability to accept what has
happened and to reflect upon good times, rather than the sad thoughts associated with loss.

What are the 4 Goals for end life care?

1. End-of-life care: physical comfort

Discomfort at death can occur from several sources. Depending on the source of the pain, you or a
caregiver can help make the dying person more comfortable. For example, the individual may be
bothered by:

Pain

apnea

Itching and skin irritation

Gastrointestinal issues

Temp sensitivity

2. End of life: Managing mental and emotional needs

End-of-life care can also include helping the dying person manage mental and emotional distress.
Someone who is alert near the end of life might understandably feel depressed or anxious. It is
important to treat emotional pain and suffering. You might want to contact a counselor, possibly one
familiar with end-of-life issues, to encourage conversations about feelings. Medicine may help if the
depression or anxiety is severe.
The dying person may also have some specific fears and concerns. He or she may fear the unknown, or
worry about those left behind. Some people are afraid of being alone at the very end. These feelings can
be made worse by the reactions of family, friends, and even the medical team. For example, family and
friends may not know how to help or what to say, so they stop visiting, or they may withdraw because
they are already grieving. Doctors may feel helpless and avoid dying patients because they cannot help
them further.

3. End-of-life spiritual demands

Spiritual needs may be as significant as bodily requirements for those facing death. Finding purpose in
life, resolving conflicts with others, or accepting life’s circumstances are all spiritual demands. A dying
person may find solace in settling disputes with friends or relatives. A social worker or counselor may be
helpful.

For many, faith is a consolation. Others may struggle with faith or spirituality. Religious music or prayers
may assist. The person can also talk to a minister, priest, rabbi, or imam. Family and friends might
discuss the value of their relationship with the dying. Adult children may tell how their father affected
their life. Grandchildren can express their gratitude to their granddad. Friends may express how much
they respect years of help. Those unable to attend in person can send a video or audio recording of their
message, or a letter to be read out.

4. Supporting practical activities

Both the dying and the caretaker have many practical obligations towards the end of life. In the end, a
person’s legacy may worry him It may help to say things like “I’ll water your African violets,” “Jessica has
agreed to take after Bandit,” “Dad, we want Mom to move in immediately.” The dying person has
everything in order. Daily duties might exhaust a dying person and their caretaker. Besides duties, a
family member or friend can aid by bringing up the mail or picking up prescriptions. Notifying close
family might be difficult. Create an incoming voicemail or a phone tree. Several businesses are listed at
the conclusion of this article to assist.