30 March 2024

The Journey of Loss

The Journey of Loss: Awareness, Research and Resources

The Journey of Loss

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear." ~ C.S. Lewis

The Journey of Loss Research

The Journey of Loss
"The journey of loss is a deeply personal and often challenging experience that individuals go through when they face the death or absence of someone or something they hold dear. Loss can take many forms, including the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, the loss of a job or career, or even the loss of a cherished dream or aspiration. Here is a general outline of the journey of loss, which can vary in intensity and duration from person to person:

Shock and Denial: When loss first occurs, people often experience shock and disbelief. It can be difficult to accept the reality of the situation, and individuals may find themselves in a state of denial, unable or unwilling to believe that their loss has truly happened.

Pain and Anguish: As the shock begins to wear off, the pain of the loss becomes more pronounced. This can manifest as intense sadness, anger, guilt, or a combination of these emotions. Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can be overwhelming.

Bargaining: In an attempt to cope with the pain, some individuals may engage in bargaining. They may make promises or try to negotiate with a higher power or even with themselves, hoping that by doing so, they can reverse or mitigate the loss in some way.

Depression: Depression is a common phase of the grieving process. It involves a deep sense of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. People may withdraw from others, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and struggle with daily functioning.

Acceptance: Acceptance doesn't mean that the pain of loss completely disappears, but it signifies a shift toward acknowledging and coming to terms with the reality of the situation. It is a gradual process, and individuals begin to find ways to live with their loss.

Healing and Adjustment: With time, many people find ways to heal and adjust to life after their loss. They may create new routines, seek support from friends or professionals, and discover ways to honor and remember what or whom they've lost.

Reinvestment: In this final stage, individuals may start to invest their emotional energy and focus in new areas of life. They may find new interests, form new relationships, or pursue different goals. While the loss remains a part of their history, it no longer dominates their daily existence.

It's essential to remember that the journey of loss is not a linear process, and people may move back and forth between these stages. Grief is a unique and highly individual experience, and there is no "right" way to grieve. Some may find solace in seeking support from friends, family, or therapists, while others may turn to religious or spiritual practices to cope.

The most crucial aspect of the journey of loss is allowing oneself to experience and express the emotions that come with it, seeking support when needed, and understanding that healing takes time. Everyone's path through grief is different, and it's important to respect and honor each person's process." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

A Review of: “Grief & Loss: Understanding the Journey” ResearchGate

Acceptance, Healing and Rebuilding after Grief and Loss Vernon Chalmers

Coping Strategies for Your Grief Journey from the Bereavement Coordinators Saint Luke’s Hospice

Grief: A Brief History of Research on How Body, Mind, and Brain Adapt NIH

Grief and Loss - The Effects of Grief and how to deal with it Healthdirect Australia

Grief is a Journey : Finding your path through loss PDF Download Moose Jaw Family Services

Grieving Artists: Influences of Loss and Bereavement on Visual Artmaking PDF Download Lesley University

Honest Conversations About Grief: Navigating the Journey of Loss Good Faith Media

How to Cope With The Loss of a Mother Mental Health and Motivation

Journey With Our Beneficiaries: Finding Hope and Support After the Loss of a Husband Singapore Children’s Society

Learning Through Loss: A Qualitative Study Investigating United States and Chinese Meaning-Making Through Bereavement Academia

My Research Journey: I Lost My Sense of Smell but Gained Perspective on Parkinson’s The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research

My thoughts on Love, Loss and Grief Vernon Chalmers

The Journey Through Grief Hospice Foundation of America

The Journey Through Grief: The Six Needs of Mourning Center for Loss & Life Transition

The Journey Through Grief: Insights from a Qualitative Study of Electronic Health Record Implementation NIH

The Journey of Bereavement ResearchGate

The Journey of Loss Claremont Practice

The Journey Through Grief HFA / Hospice Foundation of America

The Unpredictable Journey The Loss Foundation

The Sharing of Loss - The Power of One Mental Health and Motivation

Untangling Trauma and Grief after Loss Counseling Today 
 
Understanding the Grief Journey: Navigating Loss and Healing Crossroads Hospice

How Grief Changes Us! - Video