Kubler's stages, also known as the stages of grief, are a model developed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross to explain the various emotional and mental stages that people experience when they suffer a loss or a significant change in their lives. While the stages were originally designed for adults, they can help children understand and cope with difficult emotions.
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are the five stages of grief. Let us examine each stage in greater detail:
Denial: This is the first stage, in which the individual may struggle to accept the reality of the situation. They may believe that nothing is happening or that it is all a bad dream.
Anger: At this point, the person may feel angry about what has occurred. They may believe it is unjust or that they are being punished.
Bargaining: At this stage, the individual may attempt to strike a deal with themselves or a higher power. They may believe that if they do something differently or better, things will return to normal.
Depression: The person may feel sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed at this stage. They may withdraw from friends and family and lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed.
Acceptance: This is the final stage, in which the person begins to accept what has occurred. They may begin to feel at ease and move on with their lives.
It's important to remember that everyone grieves differently and that it's okay to take your time going through the stages. It's also important to talk to someone you trust about your feelings and, if necessary, seek help from friends, family, or a professional.
Finally, Kubler's stages can assist us in understanding and coping with difficult emotions. We can learn to navigate the various stages and emerge stronger on the other side by recognizing them.