Dealing with Grief

Running head: DEALING WITH GRIEF

Dealing with Grief

Mary Ann Jones

Grand Canyon University

Foundations of Spirituality in Healthcare

HLT 310v

Marie Ambruster

December 22, 2012

Dealing with Grief

Healthcare provider interact with people who are experiencing and dealing with grief every day. Stress and grief are normal reactions when someone has died, diagnosed with a critical illness, or even sent home on hospice knowing that death is imminent. “Grief is a normal and natural internal reaction to a loss of any kind. Grief is the conflicting feelings caused by the end of or change in a familiar pattern of behavior” (Athan, 2011). In this paper the author will discuss Kubler-Ross’ 5 stages of Grief; Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance (DABDA). This paper will also include the comparison and contrast of the tribulations that Job experienced and the stages of grief he went through. The author will also discuss the process of grieving in other cultures and religions.

Grief is an emotion that people experience when they have had a loss of something or someone that is important in their life. Grief is shown differently depending on the person. Some are verbal with their grief; others may show it through actions, and some may show it through emotions. People grieve in their own way and when they are ready: it is an very personal process. Grief is a natural process of living, and mourning that is an important part of the healing process. Grief cannot be rushed because it takes time and everyone experiences it differently. Not everyone will go through the stages in the same order (Axelrod, 2006). Society makes a difference by their reaction to grief. “We are a grief and death denying society” (Athan, 2011). Unresolved grief can be damaging, as well as it can lead to multiple problems like addiction, anxiety, depression, or even suicide.

Kubler-Ross says that denial is the state of becoming numb and in shock. After Job lost his 10...