Breaking It Down: The 5 Stages of Grief and How to Understand Them

Grief is an intensely personal experience. There’s no single timeline or a “correct” order in which we feel emotions following a loss. However, understanding the common phases of grief can provide some framework and help us feel less alone in the process.

The 5 stages of grief, introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, are:

  1. Denial: A sense of disbelief; it may feel like the loss hasn’t happened.
  2. Anger: Frustration, resentment, and an urge to lash out at the world.
  3. Bargaining: “If only” statements, attempts to change the outcome.
  4. Depression: Deep sadness, withdrawal, a feeling of emptiness.
  5. Acceptance: Doesn’t mean being happy about the loss, but reaching a calmer place.

It’s crucial to remember:

  • No Order: You may bounce between stages, skip some entirely, or experience them in a different sequence.
  • Unique Journey: Everyone’s process is valid. Don’t feel pressured to grieve a certain way.
  • Seek Support: It’s okay to ask for help. Support groups, counselors, or trusted loved ones can offer a safe space to process emotions.

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