What is the first step in Worden's tasks of mourning?

The first step in Worden's tasks of mourning is to accept the reality of loss. This task is crucial as it lays the foundation for the grieving process. Accepting the reality of loss means coming to terms with the fact that the loved one is gone and that their absence will have a significant impact on one’s life. This acceptance is not merely an intellectual understanding; it involves confronting the emotional turmoil that accompanies the loss.

Only after acknowledging and accepting this reality can an individual begin to process their grief more fully and effectively. Accepting the loss allows individuals to move forward in their mourning journey, paving the way for the subsequent tasks such as experiencing the pain of grief, making adjustments, and eventually seeking new relationships. This initial acceptance is fundamental to healthy grieving and serves as a prerequisite for the other tasks to follow, which involve deeper emotional work and adjustment to life without the deceased.