Healthy Grief Essay

The Book of vocation is a profound story about a man who was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed diabolical ( seam 11). telephone circuit was a man who had a loving family, prospered and was very wealthy. For whatever reason, Satan challenged God regarding Job. Satan told God that if everything were taken away(predicate) from Job, he would surely curse God. It was a bet of sorts. So God gave Satan the power to destroy everything Job had with the exception of Jobs life. Satan took away Jobs possessions, family and health. Unbelievably, even after all his vent, Job still fell to the ground and worshipped God. Job 12-20)The trials and hardships that Job suffered were inconceivable, yet Job seemed to persevere and demonstrate resilience beyond what is human. What made the difference? Was it his faith? This paper lead discuss the five stages of the Kubler-Ross suffer process. It will examine the lucky example of Jobs let grieving process as it relates to th e Bahai faith. The Five stages of Kubler-Ross can be seen throughout the story of Job. According to Kubler-Ross (2013), the grieving process is comprised of five formal stages denial, vexation, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance.The first stage, denial, rattling enables the person to initially endure an incredible harm. While it may seem counterintuitive, denial is actually a critical aspect of the healthy healing process. It is comparable to entering a stage of shock. The act of denial actually is a protective chemical mechanism that helps a person cope with the overwhelming situations. (Kubler-Ross & Kessler 2013) One could interpret Jobs statement, Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away(Job 121) as a form of denial. Others may interpret it as his unwavering faith in Gods plan.Anger is the next stage, and is absolutely essential to the grieving process. Job is seen voicing his anger, Therefore I will not restrain my mouth, I will speak in the anguish of my spirit I will animadvert in the bitterness of my soul. (Job 711) Pain is the emotion most closely related to and buried under anger. So, in essence, the pain drives anger and anger drives change. As it relates to the grieving process, anger instigates a form of strength and can provide the backbone and structure necessary to move on to the next stage. Kubler-Ross & Kessler 2013) Although Job voices his anger it isnt directed to God but rather the situation.Bargaining in the third stage and is the stage of negotiating. In their mind, a person will go forward in the past, and try anything to tax return to the way things were before. (Kubler-Ross & Kessler 2013) At first glance, it appears Job doesnt ever go through the bargaining stage, he clearly expresses his sadness. He continues to praise and worship God in spite of the losses he is going through. However, one can observe how he clearly wishes he could return to the way things were before. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength, who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered. (Job 94) But his sorrow could certainly be seen as a part of bargaining with God to relieve his sorrow. The fourth stage is depression, the stage where one will experience feelings of emptiness and hopelessness. Some people worry that their feelings of despair will last forever. Yet this stage is part of the natural order of loss, and a critical component of the five stages. When someone is depressed they become withdrawn. They sometimes interrogative mood whether or not they should go on themselves.The depression stage is part of the natural healing process and is a necessary step one essential experience in order to heal. (Kubler-Ross & Kessler 2013) Job reveals his own deep depression he says, My days are swifter than a weavers shuttle, and are played out without hope. (Job 76) Let that day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said. (Job 33) and continues to question why he survived birth and sho uld probably never bring forth been conceived. (Job 33-11). Job is feeling hopeless and is becoming depressed. He also feels his problems are ith no end in sight, and he is experiencing the thoughts of giving up.Acceptance of his trials is plain in Job 13 15-16 Through he slay me, yet will I trust in him, He also will be my salvation. Job accepts that God is wise and puts his trust in him. This stage is about the acceptance of a new reality people change, learn and develop empathy from their brokenheartedness to move on. Acknowledging the pain and moving on doesnt mean the past is forgotten, rather it enables the person to move forward with an open heart and a broader perspective.Job didnt fully understand the purpose of his trials, but he accepted the omnipotence of his God. His faith sustained him just as faith sustains people today. Jobs faith is similar to that of the Bahai faith. Those of the Bahai faith believe that the body, mind, and spirit grow when they are tried by su ffering. Trails or tests are viewed as a gift from God. Those who acquire these tests and persevere will have happiness while those who dont are cowards. They are asked to turn to God and pray when countenance these tests and be thankful. Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent to us by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting (Bahai International Community 2013).Job persevered and believed there was a reason to why God was putting him through these trials. Studies have shown that those who attend church, pray, and actively form their faith actually suffer less depression and resolve their grief sooner than those with little or no faith at all. (Quick, 2012) Clearly, there appears to be a correlation between spiritual beliefs or faith, and the ability to handle stress and accept tragedies in a more positive way.Healthcare providers, counselors, and clergy have all recognized that having a faith to cling to or a greater belief in life after death can moderation the grieving process. In conclusion, having a belief in a greater power and life after death can make dealing with loss much easier. When a person has something to cling to, it can make dealing with trauma or loss more manageable. If there was no belief in life after death or no belief in a greater power, lifes tragedies would be far more tight to deal with. Its actually healthy to cultivate a belief in something.Like Job, we will all experience some type of loss in our lives. Grief is a common thread to each and every person on the planet. Identifying the stages of grief, and having the resources and skills to cope with grief is crucial for handling grief in a healthy way. Everyone experiences the stages of grief. The difference seems to be faith. People who have a deep sense of faith are better equipped and more pronto navigate the stages of grief. As with Job, their faith allows them to go forward and successfully help others through the grieving process.