GRIEVING is a personal experience with no set timeline or one-size-fits-all approach to coping with loss.
In conjunction with the Grief Awareness Month, Sage Centre founder Yasmin Khan and lead clinical psychologist Nabilah Burhanuddin shed light on the five stages of grief, offering insights into how they contributed to the healing journey.
1. Denial: A protective mechanism
In the early days of loss, denial acts as the mind’s way of shielding you from the full weight of your emotions.
Yasmin and Nabilah said it can make the loss feel unreal, almost as if it has not fully happened yet.
2. Anger: validating your pain
Anger often follows denial as a response to the perceived unfairness of the loss. You might feel frustrated with yourself, others or even the universe.
"Anger is a normal and valid part of grieving," they said.
3. Bargaining: The what-ifs
During the bargaining stage, thoughts like "what if" or "if only" take over.
They pointed out that this phase involved imagining alternate scenarios where the loss could have been avoided.
4. Depression: The weight of loss
After bargaining, comes the stage of depression.
"This stage brings profound sadness and a sense of emptiness as the reality of the loss sets in," they said.
5. Acceptance: Finding peace amidst pain
Acceptance is not about forgetting or erasing the pain of loss.
"Instead, it is about learning to live with it, finding peace and honouring your loss in meaningful ways," they added.
Grief does not follow a fixed pattern, it is a unique journey for everyone.
The team at the Sage Centre reminded everyone to be patient and kind to themselves during this process.
Support is always available and no one has to go through grief alone.
Reach out if you or someone you care about needs help.
Healing takes time, but with compassion and guidance, it is possible to find your way forward.