- Denial is the first stage of grief. When we lose someone, whom we love, it is an instinct within humans to reject the occurrence of an event. This creates a stage of avoidance, as the person retreats into their own shell and is not reminded of the truth. It becomes hard to be consoled by anyone, either.
- The second stage is anger. Since people can’t stay in denial anymore, they start to feel frustrated. The most common symptom is that an individual may wonder what they did to deserve their loss.
- The third stage is bargaining. In this stage, individuals tend to observe and try to change the circumstance by seeking the solace of control in the face of helplessness. This is a coping mechanism.
- The fourth stage is depression. The weight of the loss becomes unbearable, and people tend to suffer from sadness and the depth of their emotional anguish.
- Acceptance is the fifth stage of grief. Eventually, the person grieving the loss of a loved one finally comes to terms with what has happened to them. The person may still feel sadness, anger, and confusion. Experts say that the pain may never leave the person till the end of their life and might never come out of it. However, they have finally accepted what has happened to them. Remembering what has happened can still trigger the person long after they have accepted their loss.
