Understanding the emotional journey after the occurrence of loss: An exploration of the seven stages of grief
Grief is a universal experience that arises from various losses, such as the loss of a loved one, job, pet, friendship, or emotional connection. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, introduced the concept of the five stages of grief in her 1969 book, "On Death and Dying." These stages aim to describe the emotional responses to significant loss, particularly bereavement.
The five stages of grief, as defined by Kübler-Ross, are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. In the denial stage, an individual may experience a shock or numbness, struggling to accept the reality of the loss. This acts as a temporary defense mechanism, allowing the individual to process the news at their own pace.
As the impact of the loss sets in, feelings of frustration or helplessness may surface in the anger stage. The person might direct anger towards themselves, others, or even inanimate objects, as a way to express pain and vulnerability.
In the bargaining stage, people may dwell on "what if" scenarios or attempt to negotiate, often with a higher power, in hopes of reversing or mitigating the loss. It reflects a struggle to regain control over the situation.
Deep sadness, withdrawal, and feelings of emptiness are common in the depression stage as the full reality of the loss becomes clear. This is seen as a natural part of the grieving process, not necessarily a sign of clinical depression.
Eventually, the individual may reach a point of accepting the loss, though this does not mean they are "over" their grief. Acceptance involves coming to terms with the new reality and beginning to move forward, though revisiting other stages is still possible.
It's important to note that these stages are not experienced in a strict sequence, nor does everyone go through all of them. People may skip stages, experience them in a different order, or revisit certain emotions multiple times. Grief is highly personal, and the intensity and duration of each stage vary widely from person to person.
The seven stages of grief, which include shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, the upward turn, reconstruction and working through, and acceptance and hope, attempt to encompass the full spectrum of grief and lay it out in a simple and digestible way. These stages serve as a guide to help people understand their emotions and the evolution of grief over time.
In the Acceptance and Hope stage, an individual begins to accept reality and direct their thoughts toward hope and their future. During the Reconstruction and Working Through stage, motivation and energy increase, and the individual may start to feel more encouraged about life ahead. Life becomes less overwhelming and more manageable during this stage.
While the model was initially developed in the context of terminal illness and death, it has since been applied to other types of significant loss and change. It's crucial to remember that each stage of grief may be experienced differently, with different start points, end points, and intensities of emotion.
Grief is a difficult process to move through, but with the right help and support, it is possible to overcome it. If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, it's essential to seek help from a mental health professional or a trusted support network. With understanding, patience, and support, it's possible to navigate the stages of grief and find a path toward healing.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, mental health plays a significant role during the process of grief. For instance, the denial stage can be further explored from a scientific perspective, as the brain might engage defense mechanisms to temporarily shield the individual from the emotional impact of the loss. Similarly, as an individual progresses through the stages of grief, their mental health can be greatly influenced by their ability to seek and receive support, which is crucial for personal growth and healing.
