Denial
A common defence mechanism when first facing grief
Denial
An intense emotion deflected from our vulnerable core
Anger
A normal feeling of helplessness and vulnerability
Impractical implications relating to loss
Depression
Reaching this stage is a gift not awarded to everyone
Acceptance
Definition of Denial
The action of declaring something to be untrue
Definition of anger
A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility
Definition of bargaining
To negotiate the terms and conditions of something
Definition of Depression
Feelings of severe despondency and dejection
Definition of acceptance
understanding and being ok with what happened
Common feelings associated with denial
feelings of a meaningless life and nothing is of any value
Common feelings associated with anger
Fear and sadness can be found underneath anger
Common feelings associated with bargaining
disappointment, anxiety, envy, excitement, and regret are common feelings associated with bargaining
Common feelings associated with depression
Sadness and worthlessness are common feelings associated with depression
Common feelings associated with acceptance
happiness and relief are common feelings associated with acceptance
Causes of denial
anything that makes you feel vulnerable
Causes of anger
Losing your patience, feeling as if your feelings or efforts aren't appreciated, or injustice are all common causes of anger
causes of bargaining
When someone postpones the inevitable to avoid the feelings
Causes of depression
abuse or threatening events can cause depression
causes of acceptance
understanding your emotions and finding ways to get through them
Moving past denial
Honestly examining your fears and expressing how you feel
Moving past anger
make the decision to let go, express your pain, focus on the present, and forgiveness are common ways of moving past anger
Moving past bargaining
Accept that it wasn't your fault and that whatever happened would have happened anyways.
Moving past depression
refrain from self-harm, and try to pinpoint what is causing some of your unwanted feelings
moving past acceptance
Identify and validate your emotions and focus on the present