We are in the midst of a great shared loss – a pandemic affecting not only the health and well-being of the people of our world, but the world’s economic stability.  

According to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in her book, “On Death and Dying” there are 5 stages of grief and loss. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression & Acceptance.

We are all passing through these stages as we try to adjust to our new world. Due to the COVID-19 virus, there is much sickness, dying, fear and grief. Job losses add to the monumental problems. No one is immune to the adjustment. No one.

In regard to coping with the current pandemic, we see Ms. Kubler-Ross’ 5 stages of grief mirrored something like this:

Denial – “I don’t think the virus will be a problem where I live.” Or, “It’s just like a bad flu. I’m not worried at all.”

Anger – It’s normal to blame anyone or anything for tragic circumstances. Like, “Our leaders and medical experts should not have let this happen.” Or, “How can God let this happen?”

Bargaining – This stage may be referred to as negotiating with reality. As a family member lay dying, one might think, “I vow to devote the rest of my life to helping others, if only he recovers.” Or, “If my wife lives through this, I will quit my job, sell our home and we will tour the country together.”

Depression – Withdrawal from life through depression is a natural response to great loss. Our lives will never be the same as before the pandemic hit – it is life-altering. This is the stage where we begin to see the vast changes in our thinking about life and that we cannot change what has happened no matter what we do. Sadness and depression are normal and gives us the time and space to reevaluate life as it is and that leads to the next step in the process.

Acceptance – We will accept that life is worth living and that we can be happy and productive – in our own time, in our own way.

Each of us experiences the stages possibly in a different order or maybe some do not pass through every stage. Each stage will vary in terms of the time it takes to get through it. There are many ways to cope with our new world, though excessive time in any stage may signal that someone needs extra attention to help them if they get stuck. Keep in touch with friends and family. We all have emotions and if we feel the need for professional counseling or if someone we know needs counseling, it can help, it’s normal and it’s not forever.

Watch for signals that someone requires more than just socializing on the phone or computer.

These are some signs to watch for according to PsychologyToday.com:

• Uncontrollable anger or sadness, especially with insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Talk of suicide
• Talk of harming others
• Use of alcohol or drugs to cope.

This is an essay written by author, Linda Keenan. Find out more about her writing at LindaLeePublications.com.