Therefore, it is often useful for the person in grief and for the helper to have information about the grieving process. The process of grieving in response to a significant loss requires time, patience, courage, and support. The grieving person will likely experience many changes throughout the process. Many writers and helpers have described these changes beginning with an experience of shock , followed by a long process of suffering , and finally a process of recovery . These processes are described below.
Shock is the person's emotional protection from being too suddenly overwhelmed by the loss.
The grieving person may feel stunned, numb, or in disbelief concerning the loss. While in shock the person may not be able to make even simple decisions. Friends and family may need to simply sit, listen, and assist with the person s basic daily needs. The suffering process typically involves a wide range of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as an overall sense of life seeming chaotic and disorganized. The duration of the suffering process differs with each person, partly depending on the nature of the loss experienced.