Depression is which stage of Kubler-Ross' Five Stages of Grief?

• A. First stage
• B. Second stage
• C. Fourth stage
• D. Fifth stage

Answer: (C)

Depression is the fourth stage. After Denial, Anger, and Bargaining, this stage brings a full encounter with the loss, often surfacing as deep sadness, longing, and a sense of emptiness. People may withdraw, sleep or appetite change, and struggle with daily tasks as they process the reality of what’s happened. This stage reflects a turning point where the grieving person accepts the reality of the loss, which sets the stage for eventual adjustment and, later, Acceptance. Keep in mind that grief isn’t strictly linear—people can move back and forth between stages or revisit Depression as they navigate healing.