5 Stages of Grieving

Grief is an emotion associated with loss. This loss can be the death of a loved one, the death of a pet, the ending of a relationship or other losses in which there was an emotional attachment. The stages of grief describe the grieving process, which evolves over time as people try to cope with the loss. Most people experience all five stages of grief, although they might not experience them in the same order, and the duration for each stage of grief can vary among individuals. The intensity of the emotions associated with each stage can also vary among individuals, but the stages are necessary to arrive at the final stage, acceptance of the loss.

Denial

The first stage of grief is denial of the loss. In this stage, the mind refuses to believe that the loss occurred. This is like a numbing process of the mind to protect it from the pain associated with the loss. There is a degree of unreality associated with the news of the loss.

Anger

The second stage of grief comes about as the reality of the loss sinks in. Once the numbness from the denial stages ebbs, the loss becomes real and has the effect of striking a raw nerve. This causes pain and frustration because there is a sense that nothing can be done about the loss. This anger can be directed inward because an individual can feel responsible for the loss and feel more should have been done to prevent the loss from occurring.

Bargaining

After the anger subsides, there is a stage when individuals try to think of ways that will reverse the loss. This can be attempted through prayer, or in the case of a relationship ending, direct bargaining with the other person who had been in the relationship. The bargaining includes changes in behavior as bargaining chips. This stage can also involve attempts to find someone or something to blame for the loss.

Depression

The fourth stage of grief occurs as hopelessness sinks in. Individuals have a feeling of helplessness about the loss, and depression sinks in. This depression can feel overwhelming and involve crying and withdrawal from other relationships.

Acceptance

The final stage of grief occurs after the mind has found ways of thinking about the loss that allows daily living to go on. Time has passed, and there has been a degree of healing. There is still sadness about the loss, but it no longer overpowering.