Podcast Transcript
Opening:
Hey everyone! Welcome to "Grief Untangled: Untangling the Threads of Grief, Healing, and Hope." This is Coach DD, and today, we're going to delve into the different stages of grief. So let's get started.
Content:
Before we explore the stages of grief, it's crucial to understand that grief is a highly individualized and unique experience. Each person grieves in their own way, and there's no right or wrong way to grieve. Now, there are several models of grief that have gained popularity over time. Let's take a look at a few of them.
Model 1: John BOWLBY's Four Stages of Grief
John BOWLBY's model focuses on grief triggered by the loss of attachment figures. The four stages are:
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Shock and numbness
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Yearning and searching
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Disorganization and despair
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Reorganization
Model 2: William WARDEN's Four Tasks of Grief
William WARDEN's model involves four tasks that individuals go through during grief:
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Accepting the reality of the loss
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Working through the pain of grief
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Adjusting to an environment without the deceased
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Emotionally relocating the deceased and moving forward in life
Model 3: Elizabeth KUBLER ROSS's Five Stages of Grief
Elizabeth KUBLER ROSS introduced five stages of grief in her work, and they are:
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Denial
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Anger
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Bargaining
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Depression
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Acceptance
Let's Explore Each Stage:
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Denial: Often, after a loss, we experience disbelief or numbness. Sometimes, the tragedy is so sudden and traumatic that it becomes challenging to accept the reality of the loss, leading to shock or denial.
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Anger: As the reality sinks in, we may feel anger and frustration. This anger can be directed towards ourselves, others, or even the deceased. It's a natural part of processing grief.
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Bargaining: In this stage, we try to negotiate with a higher power or the universe to undo the loss. We may find ourselves pondering "what-ifs" and experiencing regrets.
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Depression: This stage brings deep sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. It may feel like being stuck in a bottomless pit with no way out.
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Acceptance: Acceptance does not mean moving on but rather coming to terms with the reality of the loss. It's about learning how to live with grief and finding ways to move forward while honoring the memory of the deceased.
David KESSLER's 6th Stage - Meaning
Building upon Elizabeth KUBLER ROSS's work, David KESSLER introduced a 6th stage: meaning. Meaning comes from finding a way to sustain love for the person who has passed while moving forward in life. It's about finding a purpose beyond the loss.
Closing:
Grief is a complex emotional journey, and it's normal to move back and forth between these stages. Some days, you might experience denial, while on others, you may feel anger or depression. Remember, seeking support from friends, family, or a grief counselor is essential during this challenging time. Don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Thank you for joining me in this episode of "Grief Untangled." Stay tuned for more insightful topics in our upcoming episodes as we continue to untangle the journey of grief together.
Remember, healing and hope are within reach. Take care, and until next time!