by Cassidy Whisenhunt

Created on: November 11, 2009

Stages of Grief

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences an individual can endure in a lifetime. But what people must understand is that grief is a natural process in which each person bears individually. No two people will cope exactly the same therefore it can be difficult if not incomprehensible to understand the process for both the griever and those around him or her.

The five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance can be confusing and frightening to those who are not aware of the reasons as to why a person feels such a way after losing someone they love. But if grief is suppressed then far worse complications could occur such as poor mental health. The five stages are listed and described below.

Stage One: Denial

The first stage of grief is typically a defense mechanism. Often due to shock, to believe the loss of a loved one, refusal to accept reality, especially when a loss comes unexpected, is a way for the individuals mind to temporarily avoid pain. Once an individual recovers from the shock of the loss, he or she may experience a pain so excruciating and unbearable from gaining an understanding of the reality of the situation.

Stage Three: Anger

As another defense mechanism, a person can have intense feelings of rage and anger toward the one they have lost or others around them. These misplaced emotions are a way for the individuals mind to shut out the pain they are feeling. This anger is often directed towards the lost one. The individual blames them and can be angered at being left behind. In another likely scenario, the individual may blame others close to them. For example after the death of a child, parents often blame each other for the cause of their loss.

Stage Three: Bargaining

As the feelings of frustration and anger pass, many individuals find themselves praying, begging, and promising anything to bring their loved one back, or save a loved one who is in the process of passing on.

Stage Four: Depression

When an individual comes to the realization that nothing can be done or promised in exchange for more time, they he or she often sinks into a deep depression. Feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and despair may take over a person. Many people attempt to close themselves off from others in this stage, living in reflections and memories of the one they have recently lost. This stage may last for months and to the individual may seem as though it will last forever. Some people experience feelings

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