A Closer Look at On Death and Dying

The five stages of dying are not mandatory elements in an inflexible sequence or levels that must be attained. It has been said that life is a journey, not a destination, and the same holds true for the process of dying. The stage of acceptance is not a goal to be reached by conquering the other steps. While most patients tend to go through a series of stages, they may go back and forth, skip arou

. . .
The important point to remember is that in denial, the patient is saying to him/her and others, "No, it can't be me! It is not possible for me to die yet! This must be happening to someone else!” Denial is a way of cushioning the shock of the admission of probable death. Denial may be evident in many reactions ranging from loud, verbal outcries to inappropriate lack of distress or even cheerfulness. It may also embody feelings of guilt - that the patient may deserve his /her fate because of some moral failure before God, failure to take care of his/her body or failure to be a good parent, spouse, or friend. nd, or experience times where the stages seem to overlap, all according to the patient’s individual needs. Depression, with its releases for frustration and loss in expressions of grief, such as crying, provides a means by which those in grief can declare the full impact of their loss with appropriate seriousness. Patients and those close to them during this stage are not able to admit to themselves that they might die or suffer the immense loss that death represents.

These five stages reflect the needs of the dying patient, the caregivers, and the ways they use to cope with them. Depression is very difficult for many people to deal with because the patient frequently cries or otherwise expresses great sorrow. By studying the process of death, we can all learn how to get the most out of our lives and all they have to offer. This reaction of patients will be particularly difficult to handle because they will most likely be irritable, complain about everything, and blame other people for their situation. This process also transfers concern to the patient's own dying and the prospect he/she believes that it holds.

This novel has made me examine my own life and take a closer look at what I want to accomplish before I die. The stage of acceptance describes how the patient may positively deal with loss by admitting it completely and preparing for it.

Common topics in this essay:
Dr Kübler-Ross, Yes Yes, Death Dying, five stages, dr kübler-ross, death dying, stage acceptance, patient frequently, loss death, rage anger, loss death represents, impending death, health care professionals, loved ones, guilt patient,

Approximate Word count = 1299
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Already a member? Click here