How Do You Accept the Loss of a Loved One?

Accepting the loss of a loved one can be difficult and even earth-shattering. The grieving process is deeply personal, and acceptance is the final phase in the five stages of grief.

Here are some guidelines on how long experts say the grief process should take.

It's important to realize that you may be feeling a wide variety of emotions—including anger, fear, sadness, or even numbness.

All of this is normal.

Understand that the grieving process will look different for everyone, and what you're feeling is never wrong or bad.

To begin to heal and move on toward acceptance, focus on remembering the positive memories you had with your loved one, and think of ways to celebrate their life and keep their memory alive.

Find therapists and grief counselors who accept your insurance

If you feel overwhelmed or debilitated by your loss, it can help to speak with a mental health professional, or to join a support group where you can interact with people who have been through a loss as well.

The Monarch Directory makes it easy for you to browse hundreds of licensed counselors and therapists who specialize in grief and view on their individual profiles whether they accept your health insurance. 

You can also choose to browse therapists on Monarch specifically by your insurance provider.

Concerned you might be depressed?

Take our online depression assessment to determine whether you may be experiencing the symptoms of depression.

If you are feeling depressed, we recommend you speak with someone—a trusted family member, friend, doctor, or therapist—about how you're feeling. Here are counselors near you who specialize in helping clients with depression you may wish to contact for a phone consultation or appointment.


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Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

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