In my experience as a grief therapist, I have identified about ten "stages" or "facets" of the grief experience. Not everyone experiences grief in the same manner, but I have found there to be some frequent experiences with my patients. These include denial, shock, anger, guilt, sadness, fear, regret, loneliness, physical symptoms, and acceptance. In this article, we're going to discuss denial.
Denial is a common human reaction to any traumatic or overwhelming experience. It is a defense mechanism that helps people cope with the initial shock of a significant loss or change in life. Denial is the first stage of grief that people experience when they lose something or someone important to them.
The experience of loss can be diverse and can range from the death of a loved one, losing a job, or a significant change in life circumstances. When a person encounters a loss, they may initially go through a stage of denial. This stage is characterized by a feeling of numbness, disbelief, and refusal to accept the reality of the loss.
Denial can be both helpful and harmful at the same time. It can help people protect themselves from the initial shock of a loss by creating a psychological barrier between the person and the reality of the loss. It is a way of giving people time to process their emotions gradually and come to terms with the situation. However, it can also prevent people from accepting the reality of the situation and moving forward in their lives.
During the denial stage of grief, people may experience a range of emotions. They may feel shocked, confused, and disoriented. They may also experience physical symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, or a feeling of detachment from their surroundings. People in denial may refuse to talk about their loss, avoid places or situations that remind them of the loss, and may even pretend that nothing has changed.
Denial is a defense mechanism that is activated when the mind perceives a situation as too overwhelming to process. It is a way of coping with the initial shock of a traumatic event or a significant loss. Denial helps people protect themselves from the immediate emotional impact of the situation and buy time to process their emotions gradually.
However, denial can also become a problem when it prevents people from accepting the reality of the situation and moving forward. When people remain in denial for an extended period, it can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also prevent people from seeking help or support from others, which can exacerbate their feelings of isolation and loneliness.
It is important to note that denial is a normal and natural reaction to loss. It is a temporary stage of grief that people go through when they encounter a significant loss or change in life circumstances. However, it is essential to recognize when denial has become a problem and take steps to address it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with denial or any other form of grief, seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial in working through the emotions associated with the experience of loss. Kaela Rae Vance LPCCS is a licensed professional counselor with experience in helping individuals work through grief and other mental health concerns. Kaela provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to process their emotions, identify their coping mechanisms, and develop strategies to move forward. By calling Kaela Rae Vance LPCCS, you can take the first step towards healing and moving forward from the challenges of grief. Call 614-647-HELP.
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