Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can be overwhelming and isolating. At Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, we're committed to supporting you not only during the funeral service but throughout your grief journey. We offer resources, guidance, and connections to help you navigate this difficult time.
Understanding Grief
Grief is a deeply personal experience that affects each person differently. There is no "right" way to grieve, and the process doesn't follow a predictable timeline. Common experiences include:
Emotional Responses
• Sadness and crying
• Anger or irritability
• Guilt or regret
• Anxiety or fear
• Numbness or shock
• Relief (in some circumstances)
Physical Symptoms
• Fatigue or low energy
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in appetite
• Physical aches and pains
• Weakened immune system
• Difficulty concentrating
Remember that all of these responses are normal parts of the grief process. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment.
Grief is a deeply personal experience that affects each person differently. There is no "right" way to grieve, and the process doesn't follow a predictable timeline. Common experiences include:
Recommended Reading
General Grief
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "Healing After Loss" by Martha Whitmore Hickman
• "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
• "Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief" by David Kessler
Specialized Grief
• "Bearing the Unbearable" by Joanne Cacciatore (loss of a child)
• "Widow to Widow" by Genevieve Davis Ginsburg (loss of a spouse)
• "The Empty Chair" by Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge (loss of a spouse)
Remember that all of these responses are normal parts of the grief process. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment.
Crisis Resources
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for immediate help:
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
988 or 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Or go to your nearest emergency room
