The 5 Stages of Grief

Hopefully, everyone out there in the massive world that is the Internet knows that there are five separate stages to grief. Grief, as we all know, is the intense emotional suffering caused by loss, misfortune, injury, or evils of any kind; sorrow; regret. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Let's study each of these stages carefully, so we can grasp a firm understanding on this crazy little thing we call grief.

Stage One-Denial: (n) the act of denying or contradicting; an assertion that a declaration or fact stated is not true; negation; contradiction. Now...we all deny the little things we do in life. Some might actually go as far as saying that denial is really just lying. "I don't drink too much Pepsi. I don't have a problem. I am perfectly fine." Denial? Or lying out right to avoid the issue? I don't know and I don't want to find out.

Stage Two-Anger: (n) a strong feeling excited by a real or supposed injury: often accompanied by a desire to take vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction from the offending party; resentment; wrath; ire. Anger...my personal favorite of all the stages. It is probably the most occupied stage in the whole grief system. We avoid our grief by taking it out on others. The occasional outburst or little scuffle may happen, but it's all for a good cause right? I mean, we have to fulfill this step of the process in order to move on so why not make the best of it?

Stage Three-Bargaining: (n) a mutual agreement or contract. Simple as that. Most make there promises to themselves. Others to friends, parents, and God. 95% of the time, the are empty promises. We say we will and then we don't because the recent generations have not developed this wonderful thing called will power.

Stage Four-Depression: (n) in psychology, an emotional condition, either normal or pathological, characterized by discouragement, a feeling of inadequacy, etc. Depression is becoming more and more common with U.S. teens each year. For most, it's a true condition that that particular teen has to battle. But for others...well, let's just say they are in it for the drugs...

Stage Five-Acceptance: (n) a receiving with approval or satisfaction; favorable reception. The final step in the grief cycle. It's the most boring step to the process but that's okay because it is also the most important.

Now you know that the Five Stages of Grief are also called DABDA. Deal with it and you'll be fine.