Understanding the Five Stages of Grief

No matter who you are, there is a high chance that at some point in your life you will have to feel grief. This could be the loss of a loved one, a close on a chapter of your life, or another kind of loss that has a large impact on your life. Grief is not a fun exerpience and can feel that it will never end. For those that are going through it, everyone deals with it at their own pace but most go through the same five stages of grief. Going to a therapist during this time can be really helpful to guide you through the stages and help you process what you are going through. Accountants for therapists make it so that therapists can really focus on their patients. Below are the five stages of grief that most go through so you can know what to expect whether you going through it or someone you know.

Denial

The journey through grief often begins with denial. It’s a defense mechanism, a way for our minds to protect us from the full force of the shock and pain. In this stage, we might find ourselves saying, “This can’t be happening” or “It’s all just a bad dream.” Denial acts as a cushion, allowing us to gradually absorb the reality of our loss at a pace our hearts can handle.

Anger

As denial begins to fade, the pain and frustration that were once shielded now rise to the surface. Anger is a natural response to the sense of injustice and helplessness that accompanies grief. We may direct this anger towards others, ourselves, or even the departed loved one. It’s a turbulent phase, marked by a whirlwind of emotions and questions of “Why me?” or “Why them?”

 Bargaining

In our search for answers and a return to normalcy, we enter the stage of bargaining. It’s a period of negotiation with a higher power, fate, or even ourselves. We may find ourselves making promises or “if only” statements. Bargaining is an attempt to regain control in a situation that often feels uncontrollable. It’s a plea for things to return to the way they were before loss entered our lives.

Depression

The weight of the grief journey can be exhausting, and it’s during this stage that the reality of the loss truly sinks in. Depression sets in as we grapple with the profound sadness, emptiness, and despair that accompany grief. It’s a time of reflection, introspection, and the slow acceptance of the new reality. In this darkness, we may withdraw from others and the world, seeking solace in solitude.

Acceptance

Acceptance doesn’t mean we’re okay with the loss or that the pain disappears, but it signifies a shift towards understanding and coming to terms with our new reality. It’s a point where we learn to live with the loss, finding ways to honor and remember the departed while moving forward with our lives. Acceptance is a testament to our resilience and capacity for growth, a recognition that life can and does go on, albeit forever changed.