After anger, the normal reaction to our feelings of helplessness and vulnerability often the need to regain control of the situation. We as humans may try to make a deal with God or a higher power in an attempt to postpone or even halt the inevitable. This is the weakest of the defense mechanisms of grief. This is an important stage however. It allows us a sense of control which can progress us through this process. The fourth stage of grief is depression. This is believed to be the longest stage of grief. There are two types of depression associated with mourning. The first one being practical implications relating to the loss were experiencing. Regret and sadness is the strongest of emotions in type of depression. The second type of depression is more subtle and more private. It is our private preparation to separate and say goodbye to our loved ones. This is the next step to the completion of the mourning process.
Lastly, the final step of the five stages of grief is acceptance. Reaching this stage is not a given. Death is often sudden and unexpected. We may never see beyond our anger or denial. This phase is marked by withdrawal and peace. Not everyone will reach happiness at this stage, but, one should have progressed from depression. Terminally ill and or aging humans appear to go through a period of acceptance. Their behavior often implies that it is natural to reach a stage of acceptance of the