- Denial – The first reaction is denial. In this stage individuals believe the diagnosis is somehow mistaken, and cling to a false, preferable reality.
- Anger – When the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue, they become frustrated, especially at proximate individuals. Certain psychological responses of a person undergoing this phase would be: "Why me? It's not fair!"; "How can this happen to me?"; "Who is to blame?"; "Why would this happen?".
- Bargaining – The third stage involves the hope that the individual can avoid a cause of grief. Usually, the negotiation for an extended life is made in exchange for a reformed lifestyle. People facing less serious trauma can bargain or seek compromise.
- Depression – "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"; "I'm going to die soon, so what's the point?"; "I miss my loved one, why go on?"
During the fourth stage, the individual despairs at the recognition of their mortality. In this state, the individual may become silent, refuse visitors and spend much of the time mournful and sullen. - Acceptance – "It's going to be okay."; "I can't fight it; I may as well prepare for it."
In this last stage, individuals embrace mortality or inevitable future, or that of a loved one, or other tragic event. People dying may precede the survivors in this state, which typically comes with a calm, retrospective view for the individual, and a stable condition of emotions.
You may recall that God laid out his plan to destroy Sodom, but Abraham proposes to God that the city should be saved if 50 righteous men (sorry, no women got to vote on this, times being what they were) can be located.
Over the subsequent verses, Abraham, practicing the art of the deal (sic), bargains down until he finally gets God to agree to forestall destruction if 10 can be found.
Here's the bargain I am looking for: if there is even ONE Elector in each of the States that voted for You-Know-Who, who has the moral courage to simply cast an 'Abstain' vote, that will reduce the tally to under 270 and, at least, apply an Emergency Brake on this runaway train.
We can worry about the House of Representatives (sic) after that.
So, would it be too much to ask citizens of the Trump states, who might have some doubts as to the current trajectory, to please find out where in your state your Electors are meeting on December 19th, and shout loudly enough so they can hear you? Remember, we only need to reach 1 Elector in each Red state.
Before I go, let me take another look at those Bible verses to find out what happened to Sodom....
Oh, crap.
Barry - I´ve just come to your blog from Ken Levine´s, one of my regulars. I´ve also just ordered ´Comfort and Joy´ from Amazon.co.uk - there´s your source. Thank you for ´peak depression´; ´oh crap' indeed. I´ve bookmarked you.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes - Cheers - Walt Patterson
Saw your "C&J" post as well. I have a nearly-new VHS of the film that I hoped to convert to DVD, but the stupid Macrovision coding on it stopped that. (I eventually found the UK version Walt did.) If you'd like the tape, post or message me with an address.
ReplyDeleteRay, if you can manage to copy to DVD would be thrilled to contribute.
ReplyDeleteMy email is blavine@usa.net
Thanks, from Portland, Oregon