All of us experience many kinds of losses in our lives. Examples include:
- Loss of a loved one through death or separation/ divorce
- Loss of a parent for children and adults
- Job loss / loss of income
- Loss of good health through illness
Each kind of loss effects each of us in a different way. But there are some predictable stages that most people pass through. Kübler-Ross identified five stages of grief.
- Shock and denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
Loss is an inevitable part of life. It does not always mean someone needs the help of a professional. However, difficulties in life can be related to unresolved grief experience i.e. not being able to go through a full experience of mourning their loss.