It’s normal to feel adrift amid such turmoil. Many lean on the framework of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

$18.54 Shop Now The author of The Grief Cure explains why we cling to the philosophy of the five stages of grief, and why we need to let go.© MicroStockHub/Getty Images ...

The Stages of Grief According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ model, the five stages of grief are the following: 1) denial, 2) anger, 3) bargaining, 4) depression, and 5) acceptance.

Through all six stages, grief and guilt are a given. Sentimentality begins just as you’re surfacing from the first wave of grief long enough to catch your breath and think you’ve found acceptance.