Final answer:
During the grief process, individuals may be overwhelmed with sadness in the depression stage. This stage comes after denial, anger, and bargaining, and is followed by the final stage of acceptance. Not everyone experiences all these stages, and they can occur in different orders.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the grief process, a client may be overwhelmed with sadness during the depression stage. This is the fourth stage of the renowned five stages of grief, conceptualized by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying. The depression stage is where individuals often confront the full impact of their loss, which manifests as profound sadness, hopelessness, and a decreased interest in life and activities they used to enjoy.
In the context of terminal illness like cancer, a person might initially experience denial, refusing to accept their diagnosis. Anger typically follows, where they may feel frustration and resentment towards the unchangeable nature of their situation. During the bargaining stage, the individual may attempt to negotiate for more time or a cure. After bargaining, they enter the depression stage, wrestling with their emotional despair. Ultimately, the person may reach acceptance, coming to terms with the reality of their impending death and seeking to find peace in their remaining time.
While the Kübler-Ross model has been influential in studying grief and dying, it is not a one-size-fits-all progression. Individuals may experience these stages in varying orders and may not go through every stage. Additionally, factors such as religious beliefs and social support can influence how an individual copes with grief.