11/23/24-7 Stages of Grief

Seven is a number that comes up in many situations.  7 deadly sins, lucky number 7, 7-11 Slurpee's come to mind.  And we can't forget about the movie starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt (no spoilers here-but if you haven't seen it, you should).

I was doing a little reading on mental health.  One of the things that came up is the 7 stages of grief.  Most articles talked about the stages dealing with a death of some one close to you, but there are other forms grief, like dealing with an long term health battle.  There tends to be some variance in the actual terms, but for a quick summary:

1. Shock-I remember being surprised by my initial diagnosis.
2. Denial-I thought there must be a mistake.
3. Anger-I was frustrated by not only being sick, but all my future plans that I would never be able to do.
4. Bargaining-I thought if I had gone to the doctor sooner or paid better attention I could have fought the cancer.
5. Guilt-I felt guilty about the people around me and what they were going through due to my illness.
6. Depression-I felt sad about my situation and what I was not able to do.
7. Acceptance and Hope-I realize that what happens will happen.  It's better to make the best of the situation rather than waste the time.

The progression of grief is not a step by step flow chart.  I have found that over the last 6 months some days I find myself in bargaining, other days I'm depressed.  However as time has passed I find that I spend more time near the bottom than near the top of the list.

The overall feeling of peace is found with acceptance and hope.  It'd difficult to move through these levels of grief but being aware of them, and the ultimate goal of acceptance does help.  I can only speak for the situation I am going through, but I think that also applies to life changing circumstance that leads to heartache.

We know the steps, but how do we best progress through the stages to achieve that peace?  Well that's a question for another time and another day.  But remember if you are going through it you are not alone.  Friends and family and your faith will help you through.  And I'm praying for you to receive the relief you desire.