Grief recovery

What grieving looks like and what helps

Phases

  1. 1

    Acute phase

    Shock, numbness, crying, insomnia — normal reactions. Task: basic needs (food, sleep, safety), no big decisions.

  2. 2

    Grieving

    Waves of sadness, anger, guilt come and go. Allow the feelings, don't 'hold on'.

  3. 3

    Reconnection

    Finding a new place for the person in life — memory, rituals, talking.

  4. 4

    Growth

    Gradual return of energy and meaning; grief doesn't 'pass' — it integrates.

There's no 'correct' grief timeline. Warning signs to see a specialist: no feelings for months, thoughts of joining the deceased, total loss of function. Explain to kids simply and honestly — 'gone forever' beats 'fell asleep'.