The five stages of grief as outlined by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swedish doctor and pioneer in the studying grief are as follows:

1. Denial and Isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Dr. Kubler-Ross came up with these stages as she was dealing with patients who had terminal illnesses. She helped to take away some of the stigma associated with having a terminal illness and advocated that such patients be treated with compassion, rather than being belittled or ignored by the medical establishment. Her work has had lasting effects.

Some have found that these stages of grief apply to a variety of situations. Death is not the only loss we experience. People also grieve when they lose jobs, end relationships, and close various chapters in their lives.

If you are grieving and need help coping, consider attending the free group sessions at Hind Hospice that will begin on Wednesday, February 27 and last until May 21. During those 12 weeks the group will meet every Wednesday from 1-2 pm. Counselor Emily Susann will facilitate and the sessions, which are sponsored by the Hospice’s Center for Grief and Loss, are open to anyone who is going through bereavement and wants help.