Grieving Stages Explored and Solutions for Recovery
In the groundbreaking work of psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, five stages of grief were first proposed: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. However, these stages are now widely recognized as just the beginning of a complex and individual emotional journey.
Expanding on Kübler-Ross's original model, some experts have suggested adding stages to better reflect the nuances of grief. One such expansion includes a sixth stage called "Meaning," which emphasizes that acceptance is not the end but a step towards creating meaning from the loss, helping survivors to find purpose and continue living meaningfully.
Other models extend the stages to seven, incorporating emotional experiences beyond acceptance. These models often include:
1. Shock (as a separate initial phase) - an immediate reaction to sudden and traumatic events, often characterized by disbelief, numbness, and disconnection from reality. 2. Anger - a raw and profound emotional response to loss, often manifesting as frustration or resentment. 3. Bargaining - marked by attempts to negotiate or make deals in a desperate search to escape or reverse the loss. 4. Depression - characterized by deep sadness and hopelessness. 5. Acceptance - the slow recognition and comprehension that life must continue despite the loss. 6. Exploration and Problem Solving - acceptance as well as beginning to adjust to the new reality and actively dealing with change. 7. Hope or Meaning - finding hope or meaning after loss, often through creating significance from the experience.
These expanded models reflect that grief is a non-linear and highly individual process, with people experiencing and revisiting stages differently over time. For instance, an individual may struggle with resuming their daily routine following a lengthy lockdown or major surgery, or find it challenging to balance work and personal life after maternity leave.
In summary, the extended stages of grief offer a more comprehensive understanding of the emotional journey that follows loss. They underscore the importance of not only accepting the loss but also finding meaning, hope, and purpose in the aftermath.
After taking a closer look at the emotional process that follows loss, some experts have integrated 'exploration and problem solving' as a stage, signifying the commencement of adjusting to the new reality. Additionally, they've added 'hope or meaning' as a stage, emphasizing the importance of creating significance and finding purpose in the aftermath, thereby complete healing and improving mental health in the realm of health-and-wellness science.
