Like the cycle of the seasons, grief has various stages that it is essential to go through. Each person experiences this hardship in his or her own way, but one thing is certain: it is crucial to pass through each phase in order to find the peace and serenity to continue moving forward. Discover the main stages of this process and some advice on how to better cope with your grief.

Fall: the great darkness
The death of a loved one is usually accompanied by a great shock. Even if the person was ill and it was obvious that he or she was going to die, no one is really prepared to face death. Like the darkness of fall, the departure of a loved one brings with it a lot of misunderstandings and usually comes with a sense of denial. Some people even go so far as to continue planning their lives as if the person were still alive.

Once this stage has been reached, great anger may often be felt. Many will complain it isn't fair, asking themselves “Why did my loved one die and not me?”. There is also a good chance that you will be plagued by guilt. The important thing to know is that all of these reactions are normal and part of the grieving process. At all times, make sure that you are well supported. It may also be a good idea to seek help. To find out about various resources offering psychological support services, consult the Our useful links section of our website.

Winter: facing the storms
Then come the tumult of winter and its storms. You will probably be tempted to spare no efforts to try and get your life back to normal. This irrational process is accompanied by frustration and a certain denial of reality. Gradually, you will enter into a form of depression and sadness. At this stage, you understand that the person will never come back and that your loved one's death is irreversible. This phase can last for a short or longer time, but it is important to know that if the depression lasts too long, it may be a sign that you need help. In any case, you shouldn’t hesitate to call on outside help, as no one should be left alone with their suffering.

Spring: rebirth
Once the darkness and the storms are behind you, you will slowly embark on the process of acceptance. Even though the sadness is still there, you will be able to create a different life for yourself and plan new projects. You will see that there was a "before", but there is also an "after". This step will enable you to rethink your day-to-day life, while taking time for yourself. It is obvious that you will never forget this cherished deceased, but you will realize that it is possible to live without this loved one. This is the time to resume your social activities, to discover new passions, in short, to rebuild your own identity.

Summer: coming back to life
Even if at first it may seem impossible to return to a normal, peaceful life, the arrival of the summer will bring you brightness and energy and you will be able to be happy again. The deceased will always be in your thoughts, but the anger, guilt and sadness will gradually fade away.

Grieving is not a linear process, so some emotions may come back at various times. What's important is to give yourself the right to live in the present moment and to seek the necessary resources to do so. If you need advice, don't hesitate to contact the Aeterna Complex team. Our caring staff will be able to find the right words to help you through your sorrow.