The five
stages of grief
The 5 stages of grief are not linear, neither are they equal in their experience. People do not always experience all the five stages. Some stages might be revisited. The transition between the stages is usually more of an ebb and flow than a linear progression.
5 stage
of grief
Shock, disbelief and confusion. “This isn’t happening to me”. A conscious or subconscious refusal to accept the reality of the situation. This is a perfectly natural mechanism.
People can be angry at themselves, and/or with others, especially those close to them. Knowing this, could help family, friends or colleagues be patient and understanding when a grieving person lashes out in anger.
Traditionally the bargaining stage for people facing death can involve attempting to bargain with the God the person believes in. “I promise I’ll be a better person if…”, or “Please just let me live until…”.
People facing other trauma’s, for example a relationship break-up might ask for friendship in the bargaining phase.
This phase varies from person to person involving sadness, regret, fear, numbness, fatigue, etc. It shows that the person has at least begun to accept the reality.
Some emotional detachment and objectivity begins to surface. “I’m ready, I don’t want to struggle anymore”. People dying can enter this stage a long time before the people they leave behind. For those grieving the loss of a loved one, this can be a time where they begin to re-enter a more ‘normal’ social life and are ready to start moving forwards.
Based on the Grief Cycle model first published in ‘On Death & Dying’, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, 1969
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, all come from earth, and to earth all return.
Ashes to ashes,
dust to dust,
all come from earth,
and to earth all return.