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Grief is an emotion that can play a huge role in our mental well-being. When grappling with the intense emotions of grief, understanding the various stages we go through can make all the difference—not only in our ability to cope and work through them but also in recognizing when further professional help may be necessary. Evelyn Llewellyn closely examines the classic five stages of grief and explores their impact on mental health from a personal emotional level and as part of a wider psychological framework.
Grief is an emotion that everyone experiences differently. It is important to note that not everyone will go through each stage or in the same order. Denial can be a way to cope with a loss and protect oneself from the overwhelming pain of reality. Anger, on the other hand, can be a response to feeling powerless and helpless. Bargaining may involve negotiation with a higher power or looking for ways to “fix” the situation. Depression can be a time of intense sadness and grief and may lead to isolation and withdrawal. Finally, acceptance is a stage that allows one to move forward and find peace. Understanding the stages of grief can help individuals better process their emotions and find a way to heal.
The human mind can remarkably protect itself from painful experiences and emotions. One way it can do this is through avoidance coping mechanisms, such as denial. When faced with a reality that is too difficult to bear, denial allows us to reject it and create a different, more palatable version of events. However, the impact of denial on mental health can be severe. By rejecting reality, we are denying ourselves the opportunity to process and work through our emotions, perpetuating cycles of anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma. While denial may seem like a protective mechanism in the short term, Evelyn Llewellyn says this can lead to mental problems.
Dealing with negative emotions like anger can be difficult for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for individuals facing mental health issues. When anger persists and goes unmanaged, it can lead to significant difficulties with daily activities, such as work, relationships, and self-care. These problems impact not only the individual but also their loved ones. It’s important to recognize the severity of negative emotions and seek help to identify healthy coping mechanisms. Individuals can learn to manage emotions and improve overall quality of life.
Bargaining is a common negotiation strategy people from different walks of life utilize. However, little attention is given to its effects on mental health. Constant what-ifs and self-creating pressure are the overshadowing themes of bargaining. These prompts may lead to anxiety, stress, and the fear of missing out. A person may end up feeling like they are stuck in a never-ending cycle of decision-making and self-doubt. Recognizing these psychological pressures and implementing coping mechanisms to maintain good mental health is essential. The effects of bargaining on mental health can be detrimental. Evelyn Llewellyn reiterates that it should be given the attention it deserves.
Depression can profoundly impact mental health, causing individuals to lose interest in life and struggle to maintain meaningful relationships. The loss of joy in activities that once brought happiness can leave a person feeling isolated and empty. Finding support and comfort in relationships can become increasingly difficult as social connections unravel, leading to isolation and loneliness. Depression affects each person differently, but for those experiencing this form of mental illness, the struggle to connect with others can be overwhelming. Recognizing warning signs and seeking help early on are steps in managing depression’s impact on mental health and well-being.
Acceptance is the final stage of dealing with a difficult situation. It takes strength and courage to come to terms with what has happened and take control of your emotions. Whether it’s a breakup, loss of a loved one, or financial struggles, accepting that it has happened and taking control of your response is crucial for your mental health. Acknowledging and allowing yourself time to process your feelings is crucial to healing. While it may be easier said than done, taking control of the situation and making necessary changes can make all the difference. Accepting a situation does not mean you are weak; it means you are strong enough to move forward.
Although grief and its stages can startle us, we mustn’t forget that going through these emotions is essential to fully accepting or dealing with our loss. Denial can involve avoidance as a coping mechanism, and the core of acceptance is to come out of denial and confront the situation. Anger is valid when grieving but must be explored constructively without lashing out at others. Bargaining commonly involves searching for unrealistic solutions, which can be psychologically and emotionally damaging to make sense of our losses. Lastly, depression can bring about huge emotional, physical, and mental disruption as we try to cope with our losses until we reach the stage of acceptance. Understandably, unfortunately for us, there’s no right or wrong way to go through the stages of grief, and it takes time and self-reflection to accept the situation – till then, let us remain true to our feelings no matter what form they take.