How to Cope with World Upheaval

"In 1969, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross described five stages of grief that patients commonly undergo: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These phases may not all occur, or they can appear in a different order or direction, or more than one at a time. We can experience them in losing a spouse or beforehand, in "anticipatory grief" before the loss occurs, when we sense it looming."

"This framework has assisted countless patients, therapists, and others, and can now aid many of us in finding ways to move forward in the midst of these fears. Clearly, perceived threats to democratic values differ from certain other threatened losses, but important parallel processes exist. I've been undergoing these stages at various points. I cannot read more than three articles a day about certain events around the world."

People are experiencing complex, contradictory emotions in response to perceived attacks on democratic and other values worldwide. Recognizing grief-like psychological processes can help cope and respond effectively. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's five stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance—may occur in any order, overlap, or present as anticipatory grief. Parallels exist between threats to democratic values and other losses, though differences remain. Responses include minimization and denial, limiting news exposure, numbness, helplessness, hopelessness, anger, and bargaining with "If only..." thoughts. Awareness of these stages supports self-care, realistic action, and community resilience. Acknowledging these reactions enables clearer judgment and deliberate civic engagement.

Read at Psychology Today