The process of bereavement may be described as having 4 phases:
Shock and numbness: Family members find it difficult to believe the death;
they feel stunned and numb.
Yearning and searching: Survivors experience separation anxiety and cannot
accept the reality of the loss. They try to find and bring back the lost
person and feel ongoing frustration and disappointment when this is not
possible.
Disorganization and despair: Family members feel depressed and find it
difficult to plan for the future. They are easily distracted and have
difficulty concentrating and focusing.
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