It is important to understand the process of dying in order to be able to deal with it both for the people who are facing death and for the people who are close to them. The concept that makes this understanding easier is Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s concept of the five stages of dying. These five stages involve denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Denial constitutes the initial stage that comes after someone finds out that they have a terminal illness. At this stage, it is possible that the patient refuses to accept treatment or denies the severity of their condition (Corr, 2020). Cancer patients who are unwilling to go through chemotherapy, claiming that they will find something that cures them are the examples of those who go through denial. This stage is a defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with the overwhelming reality of their situation.
The subsequent phase is anger. The common emotions one experiences at that stage are frustration and rage. A patient going through the second stage may express anger towards their beloved ones, the healthcare stuff; they may feel resentment towards God and destiny. An example of someone experiencing anger is a patient who blames their doctor for not having a cure for their illness.
Bargaining comes after anger and in this stage one can make an effort to engage in discussions with a higher power in order to prolong their life. This way individuals try to regain some control in an uncontrollable situation (Corr, 2020). A patient promising to lead a better existence in case they are cured is an example of bargaining.
Depression is the fourth stage. The common emotions experienced during this stage are sadness, hopelessness and despair. An example is when individuals might distance themselves from their loved ones and lose interest in their favorite activities.
The final stage is acceptance. At this stage, one can finally accept the situation and come to terms with the fact that they are dying. A cancer patient accepting that the fourth stage of their illness is incurable is an example.
Overall, the five stages of dying provide an outline to assist terminal patients and their loved ones in the process of accepting the inevitable. Understanding each of the stages makes individuals find peace and come to terms with their death.
Reference
Corr, C. A. (2020). Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the “five stages” model in a sampling of recent American textbooks. OMEGA-Journal of Death and Dying, 82(2), 294-322.