Daddy is Out Numbered - Episode 37 – Intro – We are moving to a season-based podcast and we will end season 1 in a few weeks. This will allow us to recharge and work on the podcast. Grief – We have all lost a loved one or a beloved pet and when that happens, we go through 5 stages of grief. Stage 1 – Denial Helps minimize the loss that we experience. Trying to survive emotional pain. Our reality has shifted, and it will take time to adjust to the new reality. Pretend the loss doesn’t exist and cope with the overwhelming feelings of loss. - When my pops died, I didn’t want to believe it Stage 2 – Anger Still trying to deal with the new reality and anger sometimes helps us with the emotions that we are experiencing. This is the first thing we see when we start to release emotion. - When my pops died, I was angry that he didn’t take better care of himself and that could have prevented this. Stage 3 – Bargaining Losing someone we love can cause us to do bargain in various ways. I have done this before when someone I care about is sick. · "God, if you can heal this person, I will turn my life around." "I promise to be better if you will let this person live." Typically, we bargain to a higher power or something bigger than we are. Gives us a feeling of being in control. Stage 4 – Depression In our course of dealing with grief we tend to come to a place when we try to accept the new reality. Bargaining is no longer an option and dealing with the new reality is inevitable. As the numbness resides, we start to pull inward and be less social and reaching out less. Dealing with depression after the loss of a loved one can be very isolating. Stage 5 – Acceptance This doesn’t mean we are no longer feeling the loss we had but we now accept the new reality without our loved one. Sadness and depression are still present, and we can slip in and out of it as we remember certain things. Not everyone experiences every stage of grief and a stage can last from hours to months. You also may not experience them in this exact order. Some people may experience bargaining first before anger when someone is sick or in the hospital. How to help with grief Avoid rescuing or trying to fix it - Offer a shoulder to cry on or an ear to talk to. Try to uplift them with humor. Don’t force helping - We may want our friend or family member back but don’t force the grieving process. They will get through at their own pace. Make yourself accessible to them - Give them space but let them know you are there for them when they want to talk. Outro – Be safe, wash your hands, mask up and practice safe social distancing. If you like the show please rate us on Apple podcasts and go to Daddy is Out Numbered on IG