2.   Usually the word “death” pops into our head. Although it is the ultimate loss– there are others in our lives that have an impact on us.  Some could be: Death, Failure, Moving, Employment, Divorce, Freedom Loss comes to us all

3.   1) Denial  2) Anger  3) Bargaining  4) Depression  5) Acceptance The 5 Stages of Dealing with Loss are:

4.   Think about an injury you had– did you feel it at first?  The body allows one to get help! It does the following:  Functions as a buffer after unexpected shocking news  Allows victim time to collect himself/herself  Mobilizes other less radical defenses  Serves as a temporary defense and will soon be replaced by partial acceptance Denial

5.   When denial cannot be maintained any longer.  Difficult stage because it’s dispersed in all directions– person could be angry at anything and everything! Anger

6.   Usually only a brief period of time.  Reaction could include:  Striving for an agreement which may postpone the inevitable  Making agreements with others and kept a secret  Making agreements with someone to change the situtaion Bargaining

7.   Usually due to:  Changes or losses experienced  Impending loss or confrontation with death  Necessary and beneficial because the person needs to be able to accept the situation and live in peace. Depression

8.   Comes when someone has had enough time to work through other stages.  Characteristics are:  Being devoid of feelings  Feeling that the struggle is over  Accepting of one’s fate Acceptance

9.   They are HEALTHY & NECESSARY to help with coping after a loss. These 5 stages are known as defense mechanisms.