The Stages of Grief
Not everyone experiences all of these stages in this order, but many do. The first stage of grief is denial. The individual in question does not accept what is happening to them, whether it be their own possible death or that of a loved one. This denial can be conscious or unconscious. If the situation at hand can be ignored, the denial stage can go on for quite some time. An example of this is someone refusing to accept the diagnosis of a terminal illness.
The second stage of grief is anger. The grieving person may be angry with themselves or with the world in general. They may direct their anger at those close to them. Keep this stage in mind if a loved one is experiencing a loss. They probably aren't really angry at you; they are likely mad at a situation and directing their anger elsewhere.
Bargaining is the next stage in grief. If the situation is not serious trauma, such as the end of a relationship, an individual may plead to remain friends. If one is facing death, however, they may begin bargaining with whatever higher power they believe in. Bargaining may include things like "If you spare me/my loved one, I'll do...."
Depression often occurs next in the grieving process. In this stage, it is as if the person is experiencing a dress rehearsal for what the outcome of the expected event is. For example, if a loved one is about to die, an individual may become depressed because they expect to be depressed after the death. Depression is a sign that the person has accepted that the event in question will really happen.
The last stage most grieving people reach is that of acceptance. This stage can be different for everyone. In general, reaching this stage involves some objectivity - the person has moved away from denial, depression and anger. If an individual is dying, they may reach this stage before their loved ones. Each person involved goes through their own process, and moves through the stages differently.
Published by SE
- Terminal Illness & the Stages of GrievingUnderstanding the stages of grieving may assist families in coping through the emotions when caring for a loved one with a terminal illness.
- The Stages of Grief and LossIn this research paper, it goes into detail on the grieving process as described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and how these stages can be applied to other situations.
The Stages of Grief - Sharing My ExperiencesEveryone deals with losing someone at some point during their life. This article may help you deal with that loss and understand it better. - The Stages of Grief and How to Deal with the LossDealing with loss.
- Ecopsychology and the Experience of Grief and LossThis is a look at how we can handle the feelings of grief and loss we feel for our environment, so that so that every person has a chance to come to terms with those feelings at his or her own pace, and in his or her...
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