The 7 Stages of Loss & Grief
1. Shock and disbelief – feeling blindsided and surprised
2. Denial – trying to avoid dealing with ‘it’ – whatever appears as the new shocking situation
3. Anger – “Why has this happened?” “It’s unfair.” (The breaking of denial.) This anger is often turned outward at this stage.
4. Guilt – Anger instead of directing it outward; begins to turn inward. “Why didn’t I see this coming?” “What did I miss?” There is an attempt to understand and regain mental control over a situation that feels uncontrollable.
5. Bargaining – Appealing to a 'higher power' is common at this stage. It is useful to be willing to turn the mirror inwards and ask, “How do my leaders, or whomever else I may be challenged with, play out my denied prejudices, arrogance, or separatist polarized thinking and feeling?”
6. Depression – Often occurs when you feel the situation is insurmountable or beyond shifting. Despondence, withdrawal, and feelings of hopelessness are common manifestations.
7. Acceptance – The situation is right now what it is. Let's accept it and be proactive in our actions and thoughts.
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