Phases of the Mourning Process; Reorganization

This phase is characterized by a new interest in the outside world. The mourner is ready to get on with his/her own life. New acquaintances and friends are made. New love may blossom. The quality of this readjustment will depend on the mourner’s psychological resilience, as well as his/her capacity to form new bonds with others. Adaptability is key.

Mourners will naturally be fearful of entering into new relationships. They’ll act to protect themselves from another separation. They won’t at first fully invest in the new person. Eventually, at the end of this phase, the mourner will be able to think about the departed without experiencing crippling grief.

After starting out on their new life, a mourner has to be able to vent, to express emotions of grief and loss. Moral support from others will allow the mourner to return to a normal rhythm of life.

All this is part of human existence. We are all but mortals. Everyone mourns; everyone suffers loss. The mourner must be made to understand that the disturbed, depressed state of mind that follows a loss is perfectly natural. It does not indicate feeble-mindedness or insanity. 

Book excerpt from Quebec Suicide Prevention Handbook (2014), Éditions TNT

Suicide Prevention Hotlines:

Québec: 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553).  CLSCs can also help you.
Canada: Canada Suicide Prevention Service 833-456-4566
U.S.: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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