Grief is one of life’s most profound and personal journeys. In Episode 6 of The Style for Life Podcast, Stephanie Rumble, a seasoned fashion stylist, accountability coach, and wellness educator, opens up about the recent death of her father. Her raw, honest account provides not only a heartfelt narrative but also a powerful resource for anyone learning how to manage grief after the loss of a loved one.

Through her lens as both a coach and a daughter, Stephanie shares what helped her during the early days of her grieving period, reflecting on the emotional turbulence, psychological shifts, and moments of resilience that defined this deeply personal experience. This article distils key themes from her story into a comprehensive guide on grief.

Understanding the Psychological Effects of the Death of a Loved One

The death of someone close can leave a psychological imprint that affects every facet of our lives. Stephanie explains how she felt like she was "moving in molasses"—a vivid description of the heavy, disorienting fog that so often accompanies early grief.

Three black-and-white photos of a man at different life stages, reflecting memory, loss, and the impact of a loved one’s death. — The passing of Stephanie’s father, Donn, carries both grief and cherished memories. His life and legacy shape her resilience, reminding us how love continues beyond loss.

"I feel like I'm in molasses, right, and moving slowly in molasses." ~ Stephanie Rumble

Some of the most common psychological effects of the death of a loved one include:

Shock and numbness
Emotional volatility and mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Reduced capacity to perform everyday tasks

These effects are part of the brain and body trying to recalibrate after a profound loss. The grief process disrupts cognitive function, energy levels, and emotional stability, making even simple tasks feel enormous. Stephanie’s experience is a reminder that grief can manifest physically and mentally, and recognising these signs can be a gateway to healing.

Acknowledging these symptoms as a normal part of the process is essential. Validating your experience is one of the first steps in learning how to manage grief.

The Five Stages of Grief: What to Expect During the Grieving Period

Stephanie structured her reflections around the well-known five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While these stages don’t always happen linearly, they offer a helpful framework.

“So many emotions have come to the surface, and I, I'm no expert on grief. Let me first and foremost say that. I am no expert here. This is the first person that's really close to me that's died.” ~ Stephanie Rumble

Each stage brings its own challenges during the grieving period:

Denial: Feeling emotionally detached or in disbelief
Anger: Feeling cheated, resentful, or unfairly treated by circumstances
Bargaining: Trying to make sense of the loss or replaying "what if" scenarios
Depression: Experiencing deep sadness, lethargy, and loss of motivation
Acceptance: Finding peace or meaning, even while the sadness remains

Photos of Stephanie Rumble with her father Donn across different years, capturing love, connection, and lasting memories. — Memories of Stephanie’s father Donn bring comfort during grief. The five stages remind us that love endures through sadness, acceptance, and the journey of healing after loss.

Understanding that the stages of grief are not fixed steps but emotional waves can help ease self-judgement. Stephanie described how she circled through these stages more than once. Some days brought calm acceptance; others brought sorrow and confusion. Her story reinforces that healing is a dynamic, evolving process.

In Stephanie’s case, acceptance began early due to her father's cancer diagnosis. But she notes that the emotions still looped back, changing day by day. This highlights that for many people, the question of how long a normal grieving period lasts has no one-size-fits-all answer.

How to Deal With a Parent Dying With Cancer: A Personal Reflection

Watching a parent battle a terminal illness can be one of life’s most emotionally complex experiences. Stephanie shares the bittersweet reality of having time to prepare mentally, yet still feeling heartbroken and disoriented when the time came.

“Give yourself the compassion you would give others. You know, give yourself that compassion. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to be slow. It's okay to be tired.” ~ Stephanie Rumble

Stephanie found meaning in the little moments: shared hugs, quiet talks, and support during medical appointments. She also reflected on the subtle grief that builds up when you start to emotionally prepare for the death of a parent months before it occurs.

Many people search for guidance on how to deal with a parent dying with cancer, but the emotional complexity often defies simple answers. Stephanie’s approach was grounded in presence, reflection, and meaningful connection.

Helpful approaches during this period may include:

Having open conversations about their wishes
Making space for family rituals
Journaling to process complex emotions
Engaging in light physical activity to release tension

Even when you know a loss is coming, it doesn’t make the goodbye easier. Stephanie's reflections show that anticipatory grief can still be heavy and deeply emotional. But it can also bring moments of clarity, helping you express love and gratitude while you still have the chance. For many, this becomes a precious, if painful, chapter of their relationship.

Daily Strategies for Coping With Grief

In the days following her father’s passing, Stephanie focused on small, restorative actions. These became her anchors in a time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Some of the key self-care practices she found helpful for coping with grief include:

Rest and nutrition: Eating simple meals and prioritising sleep
Gentle exercise: Going for short walks or light movement
Accepting support: Letting others help with practical tasks
Creating rituals: Sunday family dinners, shared meals, music
Journaling: Capturing thoughts and memories

Stephanie Rumble with her family, all wearing matching shirts, standing together and honoring memories of her father Donn. — Daily strategies for coping with grief include leaning on family, cherishing shared moments, and holding close the memories of loved ones like Stephanie’s father Donn, whose legacy lives on.

These rituals can be quiet but powerful. They provide structure when life feels chaotic and unmoored. For Stephanie, even something as simple as teaching a fitness class, with friends by her side, brought solace. The combination of movement, familiarity, and community offered emotional grounding.

Consistency and routine during grief may seem impossible at first, but they offer the scaffolding to rebuild your days. When the world feels unpredictable, returning to nourishing routines reminds you that healing is possible.

How to Take Care of Yourself After a Death

Self-care after loss doesn’t have to be elaborate. Often it looks like:

Saying no to overwhelming commitments
Drinking enough water and eating regularly
Asking for and accepting help from loved ones
Spending time in nature or calm environments

The podcast highlighted how Stephanie’s community stepped up to help with meals, errands, and even funeral planning. Their presence became part of her self-care ecosystem. Taking care of yourself means not only tending to your own needs but allowing others to support you as well.

Navigating Emotional Triggers and the Mourning Period for a Parent

Stephanie highlighted how the most unexpected moments triggered waves of emotion. A favourite song, a car ride, or even planning a meal reminded her of her father. During the mourning period for a parent, emotional flashbacks can come quickly and feel intense.

"I always knew that dad was gonna die. Did I feel angry? I felt sometimes felt cheated is probably a better way of describing the process." ~ Stephanie Rumble

She also noticed her energy levels fluctuating dramatically. Some days she was able to work and teach fitness classes, while other days left her in tears, unable to do more than the basics.

This is normal. The mourning period isn’t linear. It’s fluid. Expect to revisit the stages of grief more than once. Emotional triggers don’t follow a schedule, and allowing space for these moments without resistance is essential to healing.

Is Grief Counselling Worth It?

While Stephanie didn’t attend formal grief counselling herself, she pointed out the value of talking to people you trust. She also referenced a trusted running friend who shared their experience with loss. These conversations offered perspective and emotional safety.

For those feeling isolated or unable to process their grief, grief counselling can be worth it. It offers:

Structured space to talk openly
Practical coping techniques
Emotional validation
A sense of connection

Whether through a therapist, support group, or trusted friend, having space to be heard is critical. For many, grief counselling is worth it simply to avoid bottling things up.

Additionally, Stephanie’s insights highlight that even informal support networks can serve as meaningful tools for reflection and healing. The key is having someone who listens without judgement.

Bereavement Support and What Help Really Looks Like

One of the most touching parts of the podcast was when Stephanie recalled how her fitness colleagues showed up at her classes to ride beside her. That quiet act of solidarity meant everything.

True bereavement support often looks like:

Offering food or errands
Attending events quietly without expectations
Sending messages of love and patience
Just being present

"I know it sounds weird when people die. I always used to wonder why people made food and now I really get it. 'Cause you just don't have the capacity to feed yourself." ~ Stephanie Rumble

Stephanie reminds us that bereavement support doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic. It’s the accumulation of small, thoughtful gestures that sustain the grieving. Whether it’s helping with logistics or simply listening, these acts build a net of care that holds the bereaved when they need it most.

How to Comfort Someone Who Is Sad Over a Death

If someone you love is grieving, resist the urge to fix it. Instead:

Offer presence, not platitudes
Do small, useful things like meals or laundry
Send a card or message even if you feel unsure
Follow their lead on how much they want to talk

Stephanie emphasised that people just showing up meant more than words could say. Whether it was her book club members managing logistics or family making meals, each act reminded her she wasn’t alone.

What matters most is not solving grief, but bearing witness to it. Your presence is often the greatest comfort you can give.

What About the Unexpected Death of a Loved One?

While this episode focuses on a long illness, Stephanie briefly acknowledged the unique pain of sudden death. For those who didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, the grief can be compounded by shock.

In these cases:

Trauma-informed counselling may be especially helpful
Journaling or voice notes can help process regrets
Creating a memorial or tribute may provide closure

The unexpected death of a loved one often invites complicated emotions. From disbelief to guilt, the rollercoaster can be extreme. Making space for these feelings and seeking support quickly is important, especially when the loss is sudden and disorienting.

Sudden loss often brings with it a deeper sense of disorientation. Give yourself even more time and grace.

Final Thoughts: A Personal Journey Through Loss

Grief has no script. It’s messy, painful, and deeply personal. In this episode, Stephanie Rumble shares what it’s like to walk through the fog of loss — not with perfect answers, but with presence, vulnerability, and truth. Her story reflects the very real, day-by-day process of facing the psychological effects of the death of a loved one, and finding space to breathe through it all.

Stephanie Rumble with family at a lighthouse, beside a quote about compassion and allowing space for grief and rest. — Stephanie Rumble advises listeners to treat themselves with the same compassion they would offer others, recognising that fatigue is a natural part of the grieving process.

From wrestling with the shock of a diagnosis to learning how to emotionally prepare for the loss of a parent, Stephanie’s openness reminds us that grief doesn’t need to be hidden or rushed. It deserves time, compassion, and above all, honesty. This conversation is not about solutions — it’s about solidarity. And for anyone in the midst of their own grieving period, it’s a gentle reminder that you are not alone.

In her work through Bright Red, Stephenie continues to support women who are navigating transitions of every kind — from identity shifts to fresh starts. Through her education workshops, personal development workshops, and styling consultations, she helps women rediscover clarity, confidence, and purpose — inside and out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five stages of grief and how do they show up in real life?

The five stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — don’t always appear in order, and people often cycle through them multiple times. In real life, they show up as emotional waves that change daily, sometimes hourly. Recognising this helps ease the pressure to “move on” in a linear way. Stephanie Rumble’s story highlights how normal it is to revisit stages like anger or sadness weeks or months later.

How long is a normal grieving period?

There’s no universal timeframe for grief. Some people feel more stable after a few weeks, while others take many months or longer. It depends on the nature of the loss, personal resilience, and support systems in place. Stephanie noted that even with time to prepare for her father's passing, the grieving period was still deeply emotional and inconsistent.

What are helpful ways to take care of yourself during grief?

Self-care during grief can include rest, nutritious food, gentle movement, and saying no to non-essential commitments. Emotional care might involve journaling, crying, or simply sitting quietly. Stephanie’s self-care toolkit included familiar routines and the support of her community, showing that healing doesn’t require grand gestures — just intentional, nurturing choices.

Is grief counselling worth it?

Grief counselling can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you feel stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed. It offers a safe space to process emotions and gain coping tools. While Stephanie didn’t personally use formal counselling, she benefited from open conversations with close friends. For those who feel alone or need structure, counselling is a valuable option.

How do I support someone grieving the death of a parent?

Supporting someone through grief means being present, not pushy. Avoid trying to “fix” their sadness. Instead, offer practical help — like food, errands, or simply checking in. Stephanie’s experience showed that small, thoughtful acts like showing up to a fitness class or sending a kind message can mean everything to someone in mourning.

What does anticipatory grief feel like?

Anticipatory grief is the complex mix of emotions that come before an expected loss. It often involves sadness, anxiety, guilt, and even moments of clarity or appreciation. Stephanie experienced this during her father's illness, describing it as a slow build-up of goodbye. For some, this process allows time for emotional preparation, but it can still feel overwhelming.

How can routines help during a grieving period?

Routines provide stability when everything else feels uncertain. Simple activities like walking, preparing meals, or teaching a class can ground you in the present moment. Stephanie returned to her fitness classes for this reason. Routines don’t erase grief, but they create a rhythm that supports emotional recovery over time.

What are common emotional triggers during the mourning period?

Grief triggers can appear suddenly — through songs, smells, photos, or familiar places. These moments often stir up intense feelings, even months after the loss. Stephanie described random reminders that would bring her to tears. Knowing that triggers are normal helps reduce the guilt or shame that can arise from “breaking down” unexpectedly.

Should I be worried if I’m still grieving after several months?

No. Grief doesn’t follow a deadline. If you’re still feeling emotional months after a loss, that’s completely normal. What matters most is whether your grief is easing slowly or becoming harder to bear. If the latter, consider seeking support from a therapist, grief counsellor, or a trusted community.

What kind of support really helps someone who is grieving?

Meaningful bereavement support often comes from quiet, consistent presence — not grand advice. Thoughtful gestures, like a cooked meal or a check-in text, go a long way. Stephanie’s story highlighted how her circle showed up in practical and emotional ways. If you’re unsure how to help, just ask, “Can I do anything to make this easier for you today?”

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