Grieving the Loss Week 140: The Six Needs of Mourning

Acknowledge the reality of death. The first need of mourning involves gently confronting the reality that someone you care about will never physically come back into your life again.

Embrace the pain of loss. Acknowledging the experience of loss plays a key role in the mourning process, although there is often an inclination to avoid or minimize feelings of grief. Facing these emotions can help individuals come to terms with their loss. 

Remember the Person who died. When someone dies, your relationship continues through memory. Mourning means allowing yourself to maintain this connection.

Developing a new self-identity. Part of your self-identity comes from the relationships you have with other people. When someone with whom you have a relationship dies, the way you see yourself naturally changes. 

Search for meaning. When someone you love dies, you naturally question the meaning and purpose of life. You may discover yourself searching for meaning in your continued living as you ask “How?” and “Why?”

Receiving ongoing support for others.  The support you receive during grief greatly affects your ability to recover. It's important not to face this alone.

Wolfelt, A. (2021).  Excerpts from The Mourner’s Six Reconciliation Needs. Understanding Your Grief.  Companion Press.

Galadriel visiting Lee and Sampson