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List of the Seven Stages of Grief

Different cultures process grief and emotional loss in a variety of ways. Most people experience several of the seven stages of grief during the mourning period. Although most people immediately think of death as it relates to grief, other types of loss can result in sorrow and grief as well, albeit in milder forms. Job loss, miscarriage and even moving are just a few of the events that may result in grief.

  1. Numbness

    • Shock and denial protect the body during this first, significant stage of grief. This period of emotional protection affords you a buffer period, which may last for several weeks. Common feelings include waiting for the deceased to call or walk in the door, or even setting an extra place at the dinner table.

    Pain

    • The second stage of grief is by far the most common and includes pain, guilt and sadness. Although the pain may overwhelm you to the point of profound sadness, face it fully. In this way, you will be able to process your grief in a healthy manner. Guilt may intensify as you remember ways you could have been kinder toward the deceased loved one.

    Bargaining

    • The third stage involves bargaining or making deals with God or a higher power. These unrealistic promises, such as "I will never swear again," tend to be extreme in an effort to bring the person back.

    Rage

    • The fourth stage of grief, anger or rage, can be especially dangerous if the venting damages other relationships that are already fragile. You may be angry at the doctors, yourself or even other family members who you think may not have done enough for the deceased loved one. God may take the brunt of your anger, as you may ask Him, "Why me?" Some grief-stricken people even become angry at the deceased person for abandoning him.

    Depression

    • The fifth stage of grief, depression, can be a dangerous time. While this stage is different than clinical depression, the danger is that grief can increase the difficulties someone suffering from depression faces. This stage is a reflective time as you enjoy looking through photos and movies and thinking about the lost loved one.

    Anxiety

    • Fear can overwhelm you during the sixth stage of grief. Panic attacks fall on the more extreme end of this stage. You may become fearful of your own death or of that of other close friends. Thoughts of how you can accomplish everything that needs to be done typify this stage.

    Acceptance

    • The last stage of grief moves into acceptance as you plan for the future. Although you may still cry or experience sadness, it will not overwhelm you as it did during the early days of your loss. You can hope that life will be good again and that you will experience joy.

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