The five stages of grief, originally developed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969, describe common emotional responses people may experience after a significant loss. These stages are:
- Denial – A state of shock or numbness where the reality of the loss is hard to accept. People may carry on as if nothing has happened or feel disbelief that the loss is real
- Anger – Feelings of frustration and helplessness arise, often directed at others, oneself, or even the deceased. People may ask "Why me?" or "It's not fair!" as they struggle with the injustice of the loss
- Bargaining – In this stage, individuals may dwell on "what if" scenarios, trying to make deals with themselves or a higher power in hopes of reversing or lessening the loss
- Depression – A deep sadness and sense of emptiness set in as the reality of the loss becomes more apparent. This stage may involve isolation and reflection on the impact of the loss
- Acceptance – Eventually, people come to terms with the new reality. Acceptance does not mean forgetting the loss but learning to live with it and moving forward
These stages are not necessarily experienced in a linear order; individuals may move back and forth between them or experience some stages more intensely than others
. In summary, the five stages are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance
