: Myth of Immortality

Kubler-Ross: —Philosopher, psychologist by training —Researcher in the field of thanatology (the study of death and dying) -Best known for theory that people come to terms with death over a protracted period of time and that process usually involves passing through five distinct stages: 1st Stage: Denial and Isolation —“No, not me, it cannot be true” —Anxious denial is typical of patient who informed by someone who does not know patient well or does it quickly to “get it over with” —Denial isn’t gone, it comes back time to time 2nd Stage: Anger —“Why me?” —Looks at others: “Why not him? He was 82 years old, and he is of no earthly use…” —Anger is displaced in all directions and projected onto the environment at times almost at random —Nurses get it bad —Patient who is respected and understood will soon lower his voice and reduce his angry demands. He will know that he is a valuable human being, cared for, allowed to function at the highest possible level as long as he can 3rd Stage: Bargaining —“If God as decided to take us away from this earth and he did not respond to my angry pleas, he may be more favorable if I ask nicely” —Singer asks to be able to sing one more time —Asks for extension of life, followed by the wish for a few days without pain or physical discomfort — 4th Stage: Depression —Reactive Depression -Woman loses breasts, gets breast prosthesis. -Husband learns how to help her self esteem after she feels less of woman -Mom learns that her children play in yard with neighbors while husband is at work —Preparatory Depression -When the depression is a tool to prepare for the impending loss of all the love objects, in order to facilitate the state of acceptance, then encouragements and reassurances are not as meaningful —Don’t tell not to be sad —No to little need for words. Much more a feeling that can be mutually expressed better by stroke of hand 5th Stage: Acceptance —Should not be mistaken for happy stage. It is almost a void of feelings —Also time where family needs more help, understanding, and comfort than the patient himself