The 5 stages of grieving

According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying, there are 5 stages of grieving. This is now known as the Kübler-Ross model and says that grief happens in five stage:

Denial. This stage can be spotted by sayings like “I am fine” or ” this can’t be happening”, but  is only temporary and soon replaced with another stage.

Anger. Grieving people will feel anger and wonder why this has happened, and they may want someone to pay or someone to blame.

Depression. Grievers may have a defeatist attitude and believe that nothing is worth doing. Much time may be spend crying. Do not try to cheer up someone during the grieving process, and especially during this stage of it.

Acceptance. In this  stage grievers begins to accept their loss. They may start feeling happier and start feeling like everything will be ok.

Not every griever will go through all 5stages of grieving but most people will go through at least two. If you are going through the grieving process please get help and support from friends, family, books and/or support groups. To read my full article on the stages of grieving, click here.

To find out how to use quotes on grieving and death in art journaling and art healing see the Self Help Healing Arts Journal.