Anger can be a Part of the Grieving Process

The loss of a loved one or the diagnosis of a deadly disease is devastating and hard to process. Turning inward and drawing on our spiritual strength as well as seeking comfort from our family and friends is important in the healing process. However, if you feel you need professional help to deal with the loss or to face end-of-life decisions, grief counselors and other mental health providers may be able to help you better shoulder the burden and ease the pain. 

In many cases, people can be surprised to find they are angry but experts explain it is one of the five stages in the grieving process that includes: denial and seclusion, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Anger may be triggered by feelings of abandonment or fear when a beloved spouse, child, or parent passes away. Social Worker Kriss Kevorkian, Ph.D., explains “When anger is involved, it’s important to look at it and find out if you’re angry about the situation, the person who died, or perhaps even God.” She says discussing your feelings with a grief counselor can help you find ways to cope with the loss and start to process it. 

    

When a loved one has a terminal illness, talking to a grief counselor can help you start the difficult conversation regarding your feelings and even help you to make the most of the time you have left with them. Afterward, professionals can help you find ways to honor the memory of your loved one as well as you process your grief. 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge Senior Living community, we offer 55+ adults a true home.  Along with 65 suites for assisted living, we have 38 Casitas for independent living and 35 suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our selection of floor plans, our wide range of amenities, our care services and to ask about availability and pricing.