intermediate phase

Last reviewed 01/2018

• depression and despair:
• gradually the symptoms of acute grief begin to resolve
• the rituals of funeral, and the need to dispose of the deceased's possessions and to deal with their unfinished business all help the bereaved person to accept that they have really gone
• anxiety and pining become less prominent and their place is taken by the depression and despair which characterises mourning

• apathy:
• during this phase the bereaved person may feel hopeless and apathetic, losing a sense of purpose and becoming socially withdrawn, especially if social situations evoke memories of the deceased
• the days all seem the same and prospect of change is not seen

In the intermediate phase of mourning, reassurance is generally not helpful and the carers must wait patiently, giving company, but avoiding pressure, until the first signs of recovery.

Progress may be slow, requiring several months.

Then, often to the bereaved's surprise, they begin to feel better:

• they may accept an invitation, not for the sake of the person who invited them, but because they want to go
• they may decide to buy something new or to re-decorate the deceased person's room

The bereaved's grief work is coming to an end and they are now on the way to gaining a new identity and lifestyle.