From the Guidelines
The stages of grief are not as linear or predictable as previously thought, and individuals may experience a range of emotions, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, in a non-linear and highly personalized manner. According to the study by the North of England Aspirin Guideline Development Group 1, the stages of dying described by Elizabeth Kubler Ross have been criticized for not corresponding to the unpredictable way in which most cancers progress. The study suggests that people may move, in fits and starts, from a state of relative denial of the true situation to some kind of acceptance, with fluctuations between courageous attempts to face facts and episodes of optimism that are quite unrealistic. Some key points to consider when understanding the stages of grief include:
- Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are common emotions experienced by individuals dealing with loss, but they may not occur in a specific order or at all 1.
- Grief is a highly individualized and complex process, and there is no "correct" way to grieve.
- Support from friends, family, or professional counselors can be beneficial throughout the grieving process, especially when grief becomes overwhelming or prolonged.
- The loss of respect from others, reflected in expressions of pity, can be a significant cause of grief, and it is essential to continue treating the individual with respect and dignity 1.
From the Research
Stages of Grief
There are no research papers provided to assist in answering this question about the stages of grief. The studies available 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 focus on the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in treating depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, but do not address the stages of grief.
- The studies discuss the use of SSRIs and SNRIs in various mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and treatment-resistant depression.
- They examine the efficacy, tolerability, and comparative effectiveness of different SSRIs and SNRIs, as well as their combination with other medications, such as esketamine.
- However, none of the studies provided explore the concept of grief or its stages, which is a distinct topic in the field of psychology and mental health.