Question

Summarize the stages of grief/loss. Have you ever experiences any of these stages? Explain.

Answer 1

The five stages of grief and loss was proposed by Elizabeth Kubler Ross in her book On Death and Dying. People mourn on few occasions such as, death of a dear one, loss of a relationship etc.

Denial and isolation – People when they come across a loss of relationship, dear one’s death and some terminal illnesses such as cancer, deny that it’s happening or happened because it’s very painful for them to accept.

Anger – When the truth finally dawns on them, they get angry which they show it on other people or things.

Bargaining – Bargaining happens with many including God. Praying to God to cure the disease, requesting the doctor to save the life and requesting the person who is breaking the relationship are all part of this stage.

Depression – When bargaining doesn’t work people go into depression.

Acceptance – Finally they accept that it’s real and they need to cope up.

I had gone through all the stages when my uncle was hospitalized for cancer. When he was diagnosed with cancer, I was not able to accept that he is going to die very soon. I became angry, when I learnt that he will be no more very soon. I bargained with God and I even prayed God to take my life instead of my uncle’s life. I went through an episode of depression and I didn’t eat or sleep well for nearly one week until my friends made me realize that it’s part of life and we as individuals, have our lives to live.