“No, I’ve never heard of that – what is the grief cycle?” my client asked when I mentioned the bereavement cycle. I went on to explain that it’s what happens when we experience loss.
That loss can be one of death, but a grief cycle can also be triggered by other events such as a divorce, moving house, a relationship breakdown, and retirement or job loss.
No matter what the relationship or situation was like, it can be a really bad time. There is a cycle of stages that will present themselves during the mourning process.
How do you speak to someone who is going through a bereavement?
1. There is never a ‘right time’ to die.
It is important to remember that there isn’t a “right time” to die. People often ask, “How old was he” and when told “84” respond with some thing like “Oh well, he had a good innings then” or “Well we’ve all go to go sometime.”
This can be deeply wounding and shocking to the person experiencing the loss.
2. Please don’t say, “I know how you feel” YOU DON’T!
Continue reading Are you grieving? Coping with loss is different for everyone so give yourself time
