Kubler Ross - The Five Stages of Grief

 

Denial - A psychological defense mechanism; in which confrontation with a personal problem/reality is avoided by denying the existence.  

"I feel fine."; "This can't be happening, not to me." Denial is usually only a temporary defense for the individual. This feeling is generally replaced with heightened awareness of possessions and individuals that will be left behind after grief, tragedy and/or loss.

Anger - feeling of displeasure, displayed by intense emotional state. 

"Why me? It's not fair!"; "How can this happen to me?"; '"Who is to blame?"
Once in the second stage, the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue. Because of anger, the person has misplaced feelings of rage and envy.

 

Bargaining - To negotiate a desired level of terms by agreement.

"I'll do anything for a few more years."; "I will give my life savings if..."
The third stage involves the hope that the individual can somehow postpone or delay. Usually, the negotiation for an extension is made with a higher power in exchange for a reformed lifestyle. Psychologically, the individual is saying, "I understand I will face consequences, but if I could just do something to buy more time..."

Depression - The state of feeling sad, marked by: inactivity, difficulty thinking/concentrating, increase/decrease in weight, time spent sleeping, feelings of hopelessness and sometimes/often suicidal tendencies.

"I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"; "I'm want to die... What's the point?"; "I miss it, why go on?"During the fourth stage, the person begins to understand the certainty of the situation. Because of this, the individual may become silent, refuse visitors and spend much of the time crying and grieving. This process allows the person to disconnect from things of love and affection. It is not recommended to attempt to cheer up an individual who is in this stage. It is an important time for grieving that must be processed.

Acceptance - Agreeing expressively to the act or offer of another, in facts of one's self qualities or state of being.

 "It's going to be okay."; "I can't fight it, I may as well prepare for it."
In this last stage, the individual begins to come to terms with her/his life experience.

 •Ψ•

 

Further reading 

Introduced by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book, 'On Death and Dying'. Based on her research and interviews with more than 500 dying patients. It describes, in five discrete stages, a process by which people cope and deal with grief and tragedy. Not everyone who experiences a life-threatening or life-changing event feels all five of the responses, nor will everyone who does experience them do so in the order that is written. Reactions to grief, tragedy, and loss are as unique as the person experiencing them.

Resources Found: HERE