Fundamentals of Nursing: Depression, Loss and Grieving

Overview

As nursing students, you need to learn and finish the subject Fundamentals of Nursing. As part of the course, it will tackle Depression, Loss and Grieving. These subjects are very critical towards understanding patients, what they are going through when they are facing depression. Below is an overview of these subject:

Depression is one of the leading cause of death in the United States. There are a lot of depressed people all over the world. Most of them are teenagers who are victims of bullies, sexual harassment and family issues.

If you are depressed, you will experience severe sadness, disorientation and confusion. You will detach yourself in reality. You will also feel that no one understands what you are going through. In this article, we are going to discuss things about depression, loss and grieving.

In psychology, there are 5 stages of depression. There is a mnemonic called ‘DABDA’, meaning Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Anger.

First stage – Denial 

It is the stage wherein we cannot accept that fact that there is an underlying problem. It is the brain’s normal and temporary response that we detach ourselves to reality.

Second stage – Anger

Acknowledging the problem exist in this period. Meaning, we already know that there is a problem. And as a response, we show anger and we tend to blame others.

Third stage – Bargaining

This is the hardest part. We make a deal from the highest power and God. This is the stage wherein we want to delay the inevitable.

Fourth stage – Depression

In this stage, we already know that we are sad and depressed. This is the time where you can openly share your thoughts and problems to others.

Fifth stage – Acceptance

This phase is manifested by removal of grief and calmness. We have to remember that this is not a sign of happiness. It is just a sign of acceptance of the problem.

Treatment

Group therapy is the best solution to depression. We can overcome sadness easily because we recognize the fact that we are not alone.