What is Grief? – 5 Important Things to Know as You Process Loss
Table of Contents
- History of Grief as a Concept
- The Stages of Grief
- Grief and Your Mind
- How Does Grief Affect the Body?
- Lean Into Your Grief
- Opal Helps Families with Direct Cremation Near Me
- FAQs
- Additional Resources
Key Takeaways
- Over the years, scientists have conducted various studies on how grief is supposed to look. However, it plays out differently for different people.
- Although symptoms vary, grief tends to impact the mind and body, resulting in fatigue, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, sleep troubles, low immunity, pain, and discomfort.
- You can manage grief by maintaining a healthy routine, seeking support, and expressing emotions.
- Opal offers all-inclusive packages for direct cremation in Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego. We support a seamless process and never charge hidden fees, reducing emotional upset in stressful times.
What is grief? Despite how common an experience it is, grief and its associated sense of loss are still deeply misunderstood. Whether you’re experiencing it due to the death of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, the loss of a job, or because of some other major and unwanted life change, the process of grieving is a complex and very personal experience.
Opal is all too familiar with grief, and we understand how complicated it can be. We are committed to helping families overcome a difficult time with as little stress as possible. Our team offers comprehensive services that ensure a seamless process and never charges hidden fees that can add to the emotional burden of grieving.
Contact us to learn more about our affordable cremation in Los Angeles and read on for helpful advice that may guide you as you process loss.
1. History of Grief as a Concept
Sigmund Freud first introduced grief as a concept in the early 20th century. He viewed it as a necessary process of detaching emotional energy from a loved one and investing that energy into other projects and outputs while gaining acceptance of the loss.
Erich Lindemann followed in his footsteps in the mid-1940s, producing more research with a similar concept. He believed overcoming grief was about readjusting to your environment without the deceased and forming new relationships.
Both scientists approached grief as a psychological illness if it went on for too long or was deemed too intense. However, modern theories see grief as a necessary experience and recognize that there isn’t a “correct” way to grieve.
2. The Stages of Grief – Are They Real and Still Relevant?
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross took the research a step further by introducing the five stages of grief in her book “On Death and Dying” in 1969. They are as follows:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
But are they real for everyone who experiences loss?
Over time, many people have criticized the Kubler-Ross theory and even introduced different theories to replace it. However, the takeaway here is that there is no wrong or right way to experience grief. Your experience will differ depending on your personality, situation, and other unique factors.
| Researcher | Year | Theory |
| Sigmund Freud | 1917 | Grief is a process that involves detaching your emotions and redirecting them |
| Erich Lindemann | 1942 | Overcoming grief involves adjusting to your environment without your loved one |
| Elizabeth Kubler-Ross | 1969 | Introduced the five stages of grief |
You never know how grief will affect you, but it can certainly impact your ability to make arrangements for your loved one and leave you vulnerable to scams and hidden fees. We recommend pre-planning to avoid additional emotional stress after a loss.
3. Grief and Your Mind
After a loss, you may experience changes in how you think and feel. Thoughts of the loss take up a lot of mental space previously used to process everyday tasks and feelings. Consequently, you may find yourself unfocused and going through the day in a daze.
This condition is often described as “grief fog”, and it goes beyond simply being distracted. The symptoms are as follows:
- Emotional: You’re focused on understanding what happened and processing the pain to the point where everyday activities seem pointless.
- Neurological: Loss can decrease hippocampal activity, leading to reduced memory function. You may lose items and forget information.
- Physical Fatigue: The physical energy you focus on overcoming your loss may lead to fatigue.
“After we lose someone, our brain undergoes a lengthy rewiring process that monopolizes our mental capacity and can be accompanied by brain fog.”
Lauren DePino, NPR writer in her article “Grief Made Me Lose My Balance, Here’s How I Learned to Walk Forward Again.”
Although grief can have short-term mental setbacks, some studies suggest it’s a learning experience. The mind becomes stronger as it navigates the world after loss. While many would rather have their loved one back, this is one advantage to consider.
As a licensed cremation provider, Opal Cremation understands the impacts of grief. We go out of our way to reduce stress during this difficult time. Our team provides comprehensive services to support a seamless process and would never take advantage of families with unwanted hidden fees.
Contact us at 888-714-8481 to learn more about our all-inclusive, affordable cremation packages. Discover how we keep cremation cost in California low.
4. How Does Grief Affect the Body?
Like many emotional experiences, grief can affect the body physically, leading to the following symptoms.
- Changes in weight: Grief can impact the digestive system, causing some to lose their appetite. Others are simply too depressed to eat, leading to weight loss. However, many people indulge in comfort eating and will gain weight when grieving.
- Pain and Discomfort: Grief is carried in the body in the neck, shoulders, and nervous system. People experiencing grief may develop muscle tension, headaches, and related aches and pains.
- Low Immunity: Grief can also reduce or outright suppress the immune system, leaving one open to a host of infectious illnesses. Those with pre-existing chronic diseases may find that their symptoms intensify during the grieving process.
- Difficulties with sleep: The stress and depression associated with grief may make it difficult for some people to sleep at night. Others will sleep more often as their bodies fight fatigue.
5. Lean Into Your Grief: Make Your Grief Work For You
While processing grief is not pleasant, it should not be avoided. It should be seen as a necessary process of healing and adjustment. Rather than trying to distract oneself from grief or returning to the way things were before the loss, it’s important to engage the process and realize that it’s not about finding a silver lining but finding one’s way to a new normal.
Although the process can look different based on the individual, here are some helpful strategies:
- Maintain a Routine: Stick to a regular self-care schedule, eat well, and exercise to ensure your health doesn’t deteriorate and promote normalcy.
- Seek Support: When you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to communicate with loved ones or seek professional help.
- Express Your Emotions: Let yourself experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness and joy, as part of the healing process.
- Be Patient and Adapt: Determine how life will look like after your loss. Understand the process can take time and you must be patient with yourself.
| Symptom | Management Tips |
| Weight changes | Stick to a healthy diet |
| Discomfort | Try to maintain a relaxed posture, seek out massage therapy if possible |
| Low Immunity | Exercise regularly and eat antioxidant-rich food |
| Sleep Difficulties | Maintain a relaxing bedtime routine, going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day |
A healthy diet is key when grieving, as it strengthens your immune system, and certain nutrients promote a better mood. We recommend nutritious options like soups, stews, fresh fruits, and vegetables, which are gentle on the digestive system. Bread, baked goods, and some cultural dishes are ideal comfort foods. Shelf-stable items and easy snacks are perfect for grieving families who may lack the energy to shop or cook.
Opal Helps Families with Direct Cremation Near Me
Opal Cremation recognizes that the death of someone you love is an overwhelming and emotional experience. We’re here to help you navigate this difficult time. We have several all-inclusive packages, which can be customized for each customer’s needs.
Arrangements can be made by phone, and our dedicated care team will take you through every step. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Let Opal Cremation help you through the stress and burden of making these arrangements.
Visit our support center or check out our frequently asked questions for more information on direct cremation in Los Angeles and other helpful resources. Find out why we are the best cremation company in Southern California.
Choose one of our Southern California cremation locations to get started:
Los Angeles Cremation • San Diego Cremation • Orange County Cremation
FAQs
What are the 5 C’s of Grieving?
The five Cs of grieving are the perfect example of an alternative to the five stages of grief. They are as follows: Did I cause it, can I catch it, why couldn’t I control it or cure it, who will take care of me now?
What does the Bible say about grief?
The Bible portrays grief as a natural, acceptable process and assures believers that God is actively present, offering comfort and supporting healing and joy.
What not to do when you’re grieving?
People who are grieving should not isolate themselves, numb their feelings with substances and distractions, make major life decisions prematurely, rush the process, or compare themselves to others.
