There may be actual anger outbursts, often directed at the health care providers, family, or self. Many people with chronic pain are filled with rage over the substantial changes in their lives. Although this is a normal response to loss, when people get stuck here they create more stress which increases their pain. They may behave in a manner that isolates others more, which results, in more anger. The third stage is Bargaining .
Depression is the fourth stage of grief .
This emotion occurs when the individual begins to realize that they cannot bargain, that anger is counterproductive and that they certainly can't deny what they are physically and emotionally experiencing. There are very few chronic pain patients that I have worked with who do not have a degree of depression. The fifth and final stage is Acceptance. At this point the person is not resigned to their life with chronic pain. Rather, they have realized that things are different and by accepting, not becoming their pain, they can obtain some control over their pain and their lives.