Different Types of Grief

February 7, 2022

Everyone mourns differently after a loss and a service at a funeral home in Morrison, IL. Professionals identify types of grief to give people a better understanding of their feelings and actions so they can better heal and move forward.  

However, there are certain types of grief that are common throughout the world. Here are some of the most common types of grief:  

  1. Complicated – Complicated grief is best characterized by grief that worsens over time. While it might start out simple, it deepens as the months pass into a disabling and sometimes life-changing feeling.  
  2. Traumatic – This type of grief is common after the sudden loss of a loved one as this type of unexpected death can be considered traumatic for most people.  
  3. Chronic – As the name denotes, chronic grief is long-lasting. While most people mourn for years after a loss, those with chronic grief have debilitating symptoms for long periods of time.  
  4. Anticipatory – Anticipatory grief is what you feel when you know a loved one is going to die but they haven’t passed yet, such as when they’re suffering from a terminal illness. 
  5. Abbreviated –Most common after the loss of someone that you weren’t particularly close with, abbreviated grief is when the grief is short but real.  
  6. Disenfranchised – This type of grief comes when you lose a relationship that’s considered outside the normal family structure or outside the normal definition of recognized relationships. Sometimes called hidden grief, disenfranchised grief is common after an abortion, the loss of a pet, or even the death of a casual friend.  
  7. Collective – Collective grief is a loss felt by a large group of people, such as when a celebrity dies or there’s a tragedy like 9-11 or the COVID-19 pandemic.  
  8. Delayed – Delayed grief, like the name denotes, is when grief is postponed for a period of time because you haven’t accepted the loss, you feel like you can’t feel the loss, or another reason for putting off your feelings.  
  9. Cumulative – Cumulative grief is when a new loss brings back feelings of grief from a previous loss, such as another death, a move, or even the loss of a job, and those feelings compound one another. 
  10. Absent – Absent grief is when you show few or even no signs of grief. Sometimes used as a defense mechanism, absent grief is easy to write off. But it’s important to remember that there’s no way to tell from the outside how someone is truly feeling.  
  11. Inhibited – This type of grief is feelings of loss that manifest as physical ailments like muscle aches, headaches, stomach pain, or other issues.  
  12. Distorted – Distorted grief is characterized by feelings of anger and guilt instead of common feelings of loss and sadness. For example, a parent who feels angry after the loss of a child.  
  13. Exaggerated – For many, exaggerated grief starts normal but grows in intensity as time passes, often leading to anger, self-harm, and other destructive feelings or actions.  

Do you want more information on loss, grief, or Morrison, IL funeral home services ? Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help. Call today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss. After all, we all mourn in different ways, for different reasons, and for different periods of time. 

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The Role of Music in Creating Memorable Funerals
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Since 1975, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation has been dedicated to offering families compassionate and personalized funeral services. With nearly five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation as a trusted provider among funeral homes Morrison, IL . We recognize that each funeral service should be as unique as the individual it honors. Our commitment to tailoring every aspect of the service ensures that it reflects the deceased's life, values, and personality. By working closely with families, we create meaningful and memorable tributes that provide comfort and respect during a difficult time. The Emotional Resonance of Music Music has a profound effect on our emotions, and it plays a crucial role in creating a memorable and meaningful funeral service. Whether it’s a classical piece, a beloved hymn, or a contemporary song, music helps encapsulate the essence of the individual’s life, offering comfort and connection for those grieving. Personalized Selection: Choosing the right music can create an atmosphere of reflection and celebration. We work closely with families to understand their loved one’s musical preferences and passions, enabling us to suggest selections that will truly reflect their spirit. Creating a Meaningful Atmosphere: Music sets the tone for the service, guiding the emotional journey of the attendees. A well-chosen piece can evoke memories, bring solace, and provide an avenue for expressing feelings that words might struggle to convey. This can be particularly healing for those in mourning, offering a channel for their emotions. Integrating Music into the Service From prelude to postlude, music can be seamlessly woven throughout the funeral service to enhance its emotional impact and structure. Prelude and Postlude: The prelude sets the stage as guests arrive, creating an ambiance of quiet reflection. Conversely, the postlude can serve as a gentle farewell, leaving attendees with a sense of peace as they depart. During the Ceremony: Throughout the ceremony, music can punctuate moments of silence, accompany reading, or provide a backdrop for personal reflections and eulogies. These musical interludes can help to frame the service, marking different segments and allowing for moments of contemplation. Live Performances vs. Recorded Music: Live music, whether it’s a soloist, choir, or instrumentalist, brings a personal touch to the service, making the experience even more unique. However, recorded music can be equally powerful, providing a consistent and high-quality sound. Diverse Musical Preferences Acknowledging our community's diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, We cater to a wide range of musical traditions and preferences. Religious Hymns: For many, traditional religious hymns provide comfort and a sense of continuity, linking the service to a greater spiritual framework. Secular Songs: Secular music can capture a broad spectrum of emotions and themes, reflecting the deceased's personality and the unique moments of their life. This could range from a favorite pop song to a timeless ballad that was significant to them. Cultural Traditions: Cultural heritage can significantly influence musical choices, with specific instruments, songs, or styles playing pivotal roles in the ceremony. Respecting and incorporating these aspects can make the service deeply meaningful to the bereaved. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand the powerful role that music plays in creating a personalized and memorable funeral service. Music has the ability to evoke deep emotions and can serve as a meaningful tribute to the life and legacy of a loved one. As trusted providers among funeral homes Morrison, IL, we are committed to guiding families in selecting the perfect music that resonates with the personality and values of the deceased. By working closely with you, we ensure that every service reflects the individuality of your loved one. Please don't hesitate to call us for further assistance in planning a funeral.
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