What is the grieving stage where patients act as though nothing is wrong called?

The grieving stage where patients act as though nothing is wrong is known as denial. This stage is characterized by an individual’s refusal to accept the reality of their situation, often as a defense mechanism to help them cope with overwhelming emotions or distress. In denial, individuals may rationalize or dismiss the seriousness of their circumstances, leading them to seem as though life is continuing normally despite underlying issues.

Denial serves a protective purpose, allowing individuals to process their feelings at their own pace. This stage can manifest in various ways, such as ignoring symptoms of a medical condition or behaving as if nothing has changed after receiving difficult news. Understanding denial is crucial in the context of grieving, as it can impact how individuals move through the grieving process and eventually confront their feelings and the reality they face.