A patient with a C7 AIS A SCI who was previously engaged becomes withdrawn, refuses to participate in sessions, and reports hopelessness. This is most consistent with which stage of grief?

A patient with a C7 AIS A SCI who was previously engaged becomes withdrawn, refuses to participate in sessions, and reports hopelessness. This is most consistent with which stage of grief?

• A. Denial
• B. Anger
• C. Depression
• D. Bargaining

Answer: (C)

This scenario reflects the depression stage of grief. After a spinal cord injury, patients can go through emotional responses to the loss of function; when someone becomes withdrawn, refuses to participate in sessions, and voices hopelessness, it signals pervasive sadness and a sense of futility about recovery. Depression in this context is marked by reduced motivation, anhedonia (loss of interest in activities), and a belief that improvement may be unlikely, all of which explain the withdrawal from participation. Denial would show as disbelief or minimization of the injury’s impact, and the person would typically still engage with activities or staff in early stages. Anger would present as irritability or hostility toward others, rather than quiet withdrawal. Bargaining involves promising changes in exchange for a return of function, often framed as “if only…” statements. Recognizing depression is important because it can hinder engagement in rehabilitation and may prompt appropriate psychosocial support.

This scenario reflects the depression stage of grief. After a spinal cord injury, patients can go through emotional responses to the loss of function; when someone becomes withdrawn, refuses to participate in sessions, and voices hopelessness, it signals pervasive sadness and a sense of futility about recovery. Depression in this context is marked by reduced motivation, anhedonia (loss of interest in activities), and a belief that improvement may be unlikely, all of which explain the withdrawal from participation. Denial would show as disbelief or minimization of the injury’s impact, and the person would typically still engage with activities or staff in early stages. Anger would present as irritability or hostility toward others, rather than quiet withdrawal. Bargaining involves promising changes in exchange for a return of function, often framed as “if only…” statements. Recognizing depression is important because it can hinder engagement in rehabilitation and may prompt appropriate psychosocial support.