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1. Denial and isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

2007-10-02 16:58:16 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health Mental Health

4 answers

Just meet them where they are at in whatever stage they are in. Be aware that they will not go through the stages in the order listed and they may go in and out of the same stages many times. Be there for them. Listen, laugh and love them.

2007-10-02 17:06:27 · answer #1 · answered by goodcook 4 · 4 0

I know this probably isn't what anyone dreams of going through and the helpless truth is to just be there. Depending on what there are dealing with, only they have those emotions and although you want to help, you have to realize that you don't completely understand how they are feeling/doing/thinking. If this person is in denial about their situation, let them be. By you saying you wish the situation was different or that you wish you can make it better...it doesn't so the best thing is to not say it at all. Be on THEIR level. if they are having a bad day, be in that state with them. If they are angry, sit there and patiently let them let it pass. If they are angry, they have every right to feel that what they are battling is not justifiable. Bargaining with them is not going to diminish their pain. The one thing you want to learn the signs of is their depression. How they express it so that you can pick up the signs. It is unlikely that they will accept it, so.. be a friend. I encourage you to ask her questions about her childhood. Her favorite places when she was young and enjoyed. These are important because as a friend, you can bring back those great memories for her. Whether it's the park, an amusement park, or anything... you wouldn't have thought of. Remember when you were a child and these places meant the world to you? It's because it's our safety zone, it's a place of only happiness. If you could bring back the spirit for her to make each day the most, she will start to not feel like this is the worst thing in the world and could actually enjoy LIFE. Wouldn't you want someone to do this for you without needing to ask? I mean ask her about her fav' things but the best part is, YOU can bring that back to life for her. The friendship you build will be something far greater that you can give her in this time. I hope you all the best of luck. Help her see that she is strong and deserves to still live life and go after her dreams. There is absolutely no reason for why she can't. Let her know, no matter what, YOU are there every step of the way.
Warm Wishes,
Ngathile

2007-10-02 17:14:02 · answer #2 · answered by ngathile 2 · 1 0

It's good that you realize there are stages of grief to go through when you're dying. To help someone, the best thing you can do is just be a compassionate listener and support person. And be aware that the person will not just go through the stages in order, but will probably go through them randomly and perhaps more than once. He/she is lucky to have a friend like you.

2007-10-02 17:22:29 · answer #3 · answered by NMFlamingo 2 · 0 0

Be there.
Pray with them and for them.
Listen.

2007-10-02 17:33:56 · answer #4 · answered by Hope 7 · 1 0

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