Coping with Grief

Stages of Grief
The five stages of grief are a guideline for healing and not everyone goes through each stage or in the same order. The five stages of grief are:

• Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
• Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
• Bargaining: “Make this not happen and in return I will ____.”
• Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
• Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.”  

Coping With Grief: Get Support
The single most important factor in healing from loss is having the support of other people. Even if you aren’t comfortable talking about your feelings under normal circumstances, it’s important to express them when you’re grieving. Sharing your loss makes the burden of grief easier to carry. Wherever the support comes from, accept it and do not grieve alone. Connecting to others will help you heal. Find support through friends and family, or join a support group. You can turn to a therapist or grief counselor.

There are multiple support systems in place to help you grieve:
1. Employee Assistance Program (or EAP): This confidential, free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to you and any member of your household. Counselors are equipped to talk through grief, depression, stress, dealing with aging parents and much more. Click here for details.

2. Life Assistance Program:  You and any member of your household can contact with an advocate for free. You also have three face-to-face sessions per year with a behavioral counselor. Or, take advantage of a free 30-minute consultation with an attorney or financial consultant. Click here for details. 

3. Survivor Assistance Program: New York Life offers beneficiaries a free, interest-bearing account and planning guides to help navigate legal and financial responsibilities associated with losing a loved one. Click here for details.