What Are the Five Stages of Grief?
January 24, 2022
The five stages of grief are a well-known blueprint that helps people understand how they grief and offers guidance on how to get through a loss and a cremation service in Fulton, IL. Grief doesn’t come all at once or all in the same way, it often moves through stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
While it’s not a comprehensive guideline, the 5 stages of grief do help, comfort, and basic understanding of how we experience grief and how that experience changes over time. The order of the five stages isn’t necessarily important, as people might experience them in varying orders and intensities, even moving back and forth between them. Here is more information on each stage of grief:
- Denial – Denial is when you don’t want to believe or an unable to believe that your loved one has died. The “this can’t be happening to me” reaction is very normal, and is usually the first reaction after a loss. Denial can also come in the form of telling people you’re fine even though you’re not because you’re denying your true feelings of grief.
- Anger – Anger generally sets in when you realize you can’t deny or fight the loss any longer. You might become angry at the people around you, taking your anger out on doctors and nurses who “failed” your loved one or on yourself for making a mistake that might have led to or worsened the situation. Some even direct their anger toward God or a higher power.
- Bargaining – Bargaining is when you deny the truth by trying to change it. It might manifest as trying to get the doctors to bring in another expert or try a new treatment, or as pleading with God or a higher power for more time or a different outcome.
- Depression – Like the name sounds, depression is when you feel hopeless or that you can’t go on because of the loss. You might feel overwhelmed, alone, and lost.
- Acceptance – The final stage, acceptance is where you come to terms with the fact that your loved one is or is going to be gone. The grief and pain don’t go away in this stage, but you do accept and feel those feelings. When you reach the fifth stage of grief, you begin to plan on how you will move on with your life.
Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychologist, first developed these five stages in 1969 to help illustrate that fact that, while every human experience grief differently, almost everyone moves through one or many of these five stages at some point in the grieving process. Some people might move through all, others just one, and more still might experience only a few.
The five stages of grief are a helpful tool for anyone dealing with a loss or a service at a Fulton, IL funeral home. Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help with your needs in this time of loss. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
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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.