In a world where everything is supposed to be doubted, and nothing is as simple as it seems it is interesting how many theories claim to be universal. One of them is E.K. Ross’s Five Stages of Grief. Surely, there is a value in recognizing the various emotional stages a grieving person goes through, and I am not saying that using Ross’s stages can not helpful. It is the universal claim in her book that is problematic. Well here comes the real reason for this post, naming the stages and give the “official Icelandic translation.”
- Denial (isl. afneitun), or this is not really happening.
- Anger (isl. reiði), or this is someone’s fault.
- Bargaining (isl. samningar), or can we make a deal (with God or…)
- Depression (isl. þunglyndi), or what is going to happen next, or I don’t care.*
- Acceptance (isl. sátt), or this will happen, the hope of continuing is lost (a new hope emerges).
* The use of the word depression (isl. þunglyndi) is not very accurate in E.K. Ross’s writing. I would prefer using anxiety (isl. kvíði). However, I am not a psychologist.