If you know and understand the 5 stages of grief, you'll be better equipped to mentally deal with any crisis. While it might not make your emotions and reactions go away completely, it'll keep you healthy and get you back to normal life as quickly as possible.

There are 5 key stages to grief and each requires a different skillset to deal with. Aside from guns and gear, you need to be mentally equipped to deal with loss in a crisis… make sure this skill set is not lost on you.

1. Denial

Usually, upon learning the tragic news, the initial reaction is denying the reality of the unfortunate circumstance. You’ll probably tell yourself repeatedly “this isn’t happening.” Denial is a self-defense mechanism and a temporary response to help us cope.

2. Anger

This stage of grief comes in many forms. You may be angry at yourself. You may also direct your anger to the loved one.

Anger may also be aimed at your friends or family, or even at inanimate objects. You have the tendency to lash out at anyone or anything at any given time. Additionally, being angry can sometimes make you feel guilty.

You find someone or something to blame just to ease the pain. Try to find some answers to your questions and help yourself understand the situation.

3. Bargaining

You may find yourself begging for things to go back to what it was and in return, you’ll offer to do something good. For instance, you may say “I promise to be a better person if you bring my deceased loved one back.”

4. Depression

There will be times when you wouldn’t want to get out of bed or leave the house. You’ll find it hard to do your usual daily routine and opt to just sulk in depression.

Also, depression is connected with the production of serotonin in your brain. If the serotonin level is low, you’re more likely to feel sad. There are various ways to increase your serotonin like exercising, eating less sugary foods, having fun under the sun, or get a relaxing massage.

Depression can turn into a very serious condition and it’s not to be taken lightly. If you are feeling hopelessness, please talk to someone.

5. Acceptance

Acceptance is coming to terms with the reality of the situation. Recognizing and not just knowing that this is the life you’ll be living from now on will help you cope better and deal with the painful moments accordingly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq00IqO7Lvs

Do you have any tips for getting through the 5 stages of grief, particularly after a natural disaster hits your home?

Article Source: Survival Life