At Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, we understand the many challenges you face after the death of a loved one. Our staff extends compassionate grief support in De Soto, MO, before, during, and after you say your final goodbyes at the funeral.
We are a full-service funeral home dedicated to serving those who request our assistance and support with the grieving process. Our support may include assistance with benefits available through the Veterans Administration (VA), unions, employers, life insurance, or pension plans. We can also provide resources on grief and an empathetic hand as you navigate life after loss.
Whatever you need, our continuing care is available to everyone as part of our commitment to serving our community. Contact us today for more information on our De Soto, MO, grief support.
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The Five Stages of Grief
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, in her book On Death and Dying, coined the “five stages of grief” used for decades. Grief is a normal response to the loss of a loved one and is something everyone experiences at some point in life. However, there is no right or wrong way to grieve – it’s a process unique to each individual.
These stages are simply a basic outline for identifying common emotions following a loss – not a set of rules on grieving correctly. Further, they are certainly not steps you navigate through in order. Grieving is an individual process, so while some people experience every stage, others may not. Healing is gradual and differs from one person to the next.
The five stages of grief are still important because they reaffirm that the process is natural. It provides a sense of hope to those suffering from a loss that grief isn’t a bottomless pit – instead, it’s one you can work through. The five stages are below:
1. Denial
When a loved one passes, you may feel a sense of shock or disbelief. You might think, “This can’t be happening to me,” which is a conscious or subconscious refusal to accept your new reality. The numbness you feel is normal and is a temporary response carrying you through the initial mourning tasks like planning the funeral.
When you experience denial, your psyche shuts down because it cannot process the significance of the loss. You may never experience this stage, or the effects may last for years – it depends on your situation, personality, past life experiences, and other factors.
2. Anger
Another stage you may encounter is generalized anger. In this stage, the numbness subsides, and the painful realization of your loss takes over. However, you might not know how to handle those feelings, so the intense pain expresses anger.
You might feel anger toward the loved one who died, your family members, the doctor, the situation, or even yourself. Your feelings don’t always have to be rational or valid, but you must feel them. Allow yourself to acknowledge your anger and accept it’s a natural response.
3. Bargaining
Bargaining is another normal and important stage of grief. It occurs when you attempt to reach out to the universe or a higher power, requesting the pain and sadness be removed. You may try to make promises to live a better life if things return to how they were.
Bargaining provides a temporary escape, giving you hope and time to adjust to reality. It’s often considered a sign that you’ve begun to fully comprehend the situation and are ready to introduce other stages.
4. Depression
Depression presents itself in various ways during grief, such as the following:
- Intense sadness or emptiness
- Loss of motivation
- Reduced appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Withdrawing from family and friends
Whether you experience these symptoms shortly after death or after some time, they often demonstrate a sense of finality beginning to take hold. It’s important to note that depression may return in episodes and last for a bit. If you’re worried about your feelings, don’t hesitate to seek help.
5. Acceptance
In the final acceptance stage, you come to peace with your new reality. However, it doesn’t mean you no longer feel the spectrum of emotions from the other stages. Whatever emotions you feel, knowing that you don’t have to be “okay” with a loved one’s death is important. Instead, you recognize and find a way to live with the new reality.
Deep sadness may diminish, and you might begin to open yourself to the world. However, acceptance isn’t a finish line to cross – it’s an ongoing process. You may have days of struggle, and that’s okay.
How to Deal With the Grieving Process
Although grieving is inevitable, there are ways to cope with your pain. Below are some ways to help you pick up the pieces:
- Acknowledge the pain for what it is
- Accept that your grief can randomly trigger various emotions
- Understand that your grieving process is unique to you
- Seek face-to-face support from those who care about you
- Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically
- Recognize the difference between grief and depression, and seek help when needed
A Letter From the Owner
From everyone here at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, we want to express our deepest condolences for your loss. Words do little to ease your pain, but know that our staff is standing with you during your time of need.
We understand this is a demanding time, so we intend to make every step of the process as uncomplicated as possible. We’ll be there with you, offering comfort and courage in the days ahead while we help you celebrate a well-lived life. Let us know how we can further assist you.
Receive Encouraging Grief Support in De Soto, MO
Our compassionate and dedicated staff at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home is here to serve you. We have years of experience assisting families through difficult times with various services and support.
Contact us today to receive the support and respect you deserve throughout the funeral arrangement process. We’re here to provide compassionate grief support in De Soto, MO.
Here To Help You
Funeral Director
Your loved one’s life should be honored in a way that would make them proud. Our team of caring, compassionate funeral directors is available to help 24 hours a day to help you add the personal touches that celebrate their life.
Funeral Services
No matter if you want to honor your loved one with a casual ceremony or a formal one, our services allow all attending the service to express their heartfelt gratitude for the part their loved one played in shaping their life.
Cremation Services
We provided memorial service options for loved ones who choose cremation over a traditional burial. All of our cremation services include assistance with the permanent placement of the urn at a cemetery or columbarium.
