Grief is a natural part of life, albeit an unpleasant one. Not an emotion, but rather a process, grieving occurs whenever a significant loss occurs. While everyone tends to grieve in his own way, the grieving process is typically the same, regardless of loss. In 1969, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five stages of grief that are still recognized today.
Denial
Denying a loss, or having thoughts such as "This cannot be happening" is a normal first step in the grieving process. Denial is almost always a temporary defense mechanism and decreases as the reality of loss becomes more acute. Withdrawing from friends and family members during this stage of grief is not uncommon.
Anger
Feeling angry is generally the next emotion experienced by those who are grieving. It is during this stage that the need to find someone to blame for the loss occurs. For example, after the death of a loved one, blaming God, the doctors or even the deceased can be considered normal. Some may also blame themselves for failing to protect their loved ones. Emotional outbursts may occur and the grieving person may not seem like himself. These feelings of anger are just a stage of the grieving process and pass in time. However, according to Way2Hope.org, it is during this time that many lawsuits are filed in relation to a loss.
Bargaining
Though not practical, a grieving person may bargain in an attempt to reverse the loss. Attempting to bargain with God or other religious figures in an effort to bring back a deceased person, though not logical, is considered a normal part of moving forward. When grieving the loss of a relationship, a jilted lover may attempt to bargain the other partner back by promising to change a behavior.
Depression
Depression is the emotion most commonly associated with grief. Depression may be fleeting, or it may linger for many months. Feelings of sadness or anger may also be lingering below the surface. Feeling numb is incredibly common for those experiencing depression after a loss. Those who remain depressed for a prolonged amount of time should consider consulting with a grief psychiatrist. Should thoughts of suicide or self-harm occur, it is very important to seek the help of a qualified mental health care professional immediately.
Acceptance
Accepting the loss is the final stage of grief. It is during the acceptance stage that a grieving person fully accepts the loss and begins to move forward with her life. The amount of time that passes between when a loss occurs and accepting the loss can vary widely. While some individuals may pass through each stage of grief relatively quickly, others may take longer and have greater difficulty coming to terms with their loss.
