What You Should Know About the Grieving Process: Christian Grief Counseling in Plano, Texas

Grieving is a natural part of life. We live in a fallen world of loss and failure until Jesus Christ returns. Understanding the grieving process can make the transition through the stages more bearable. When you understand that what you feel is expected, you can work through it. If you’re looking for Christian grief counseling in Plano, Texas, we can help.

The Five Stages of the Grieving Process

The grieving process consists of five stages. People vary, however, in how they process grief. For example, you may go through the grieving process in order as listed, while others may never experience specific stages or become stuck in one particular stage longer.

The grieving process is normal, but if grief interferes with your daily life and your ability to move forward, then you may need a helping hand. Christian counseling can help you process your emotions, thoughts, and grief to accept the loss, but still move forward with a healthier mental state.

Denial/Shock The denial or shock stage can leave you with a numb feeling. You may refuse to believe that the loss occurred, or you may go into “shock,” moving on with your day and trying to manage details while not processing your emotions. As with the other stages, denial can last days or weeks.

Anger You may be angry at a person, business, situation, or yourself. You may be angry at God. Anger is a common emotion after loss, whether the death of a loved one, a business failure, or the loss of a relationship. To be angry is not always sinful; the emotion is natural. It is how we react to this anger that can cause problems.

Bargaining Making bargains and vows to keep something from happening again or dwelling on the “why” behind a loss can make you feel in control for the moment, but it is not the acceptance stage. Asking God why something happened is normal, but you may need help to truly process your emotions.

Depression Depression is a persistent sadness accompanied by a lack of interest in enjoyable activities, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Depression is normal with grief. However, if you are depressed for more than a few weeks or you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek help immediately. Some people become stuck in the depression stage and need extra support.

Acceptance Accepting the loss and adapting to a new normal to move forward is the acceptance stage. This does not mean that you will not still hurt or feel sad at times. Acceptance means you can look back and feel the emotions attached, but they no longer keep you from living life. You may experience a range of emotions, such as guilt or shame, for the way you live your life. A counselor can help you through this stage of the grieving process.

Complicated Grief Complicated grief is the term used to describe prolonged grieving. When grief lasts months or years and keeps you from other responsibilities and daily activities, it can cause mental, emotional, and physical issues.

Finding Help for the Grieving Process: Christian Grief Counseling in Plano, Texas

Do you feel stuck in the grieving process? Is the loss making it difficult for you to move forward? Help is available, and through formats like in-person meetings and virtual sessions, counseling is accessible to everyone.

By choosing Christian grief counseling in Plano, Texas, to work through the grieving process, you will receive the best care for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Contact us today at Plano Christian Counseling in Texas to get started.