The Ku-Ross Model: The Five Stages Of Suicide After Suicide

Throughout our lives, at some point all of us will experience loss. In that split second, that loss will have a profound impact. Life as one once knew it will change dramatically. The wound is new, open, and extremely painful. The mental/emotional stress can be overwhelming and extremely difficult. When a person’s stress levels/stressors go beyond their coping capacity, reactions can encompass anxiety, fatigue, depression and suicidal thoughts. It is the shifting levels of depression the person faces, and a lack of capacity to cope after loss that can eventually open the suicide door.
Statistics say that risks of suicide after bereavement occur within the first week after death of a spouse. Those who are divorced are three times more likely
To cope is to survive.

Loss takes many forms. It can be (but not limited to) the death of (a) loved one or something loved, or its impending inevitability. The loss could be that of employment, separation/divorce (and eventual blended families), or limb(s).
To introduce the stages in what to expect in regards to the range of emotions a person may feel, I will begin with the Kubler-Ross model. With this model, there are five stages of death and dying. Someone grieving may or may not experience all of the stages, or occur in order. Each person’s level of bereavement is different.
1st stage - Denial/Isolation
Initial reaction is to deny is happening or will. It is a coping mechanism, designed to shield against the shock/reality of dying/death.
Ex: “This can’t be happening” “You must be kidding, right?” “He/She was just here!” “No, that did not happen!” “Is this a joke?” “Are you
Ex: ”God, just take me and bring him/her back”.
It is after these first stages to be most observant to any changes in behavior.
4th stage – Depression
It is in in this and the following last stage that the grieving person is most susceptible to suicidal thoughts. Depression is the main catalyst for death by suicide.
Upon the realization that bargaining has failed, depression sets in.
Ex: Lethargic; sad; uncontrollable crying; sleeping a lot; numbness; unable to function normally; hopelessness; suicidal thoughts/thoughts of being together again; guilt; confusion; intense sorrow; void of the ‘good’ memories; despair; loss of identity/purpose/meaning.
The effects of depression are very physical in nature. The inability to sleep, and appetite/weight loss result in fatigue, which weakens the immune system (also known as somatic symptoms).
5th stage – Acceptance
Accepts the impending/death.
Ex: Self-protection mode; lacking emotion; detachment; disconnected; withdrawal;