Grief is a natural and universal human emotion that arises from loss or change, whether it be the death of a loved one, a significant life transition, or the end of a relationship.

While everyone experiences grief differently, there are common stages that many people go through, known as the grief cycle. Understanding these stages can help individuals better cope with their grief and move towards healing.

The grief cycle, also known as the Kubler-Ross model, was developed by Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969. The model outlines five stages of grief, which may not occur in a linear or predictable sequence. These stages are:

Denial

The first stage in The Grief Cycle is often characterized by shock and disbelief. In this stage, individuals may deny the reality of their loss or refuse to accept that it has happened.

Denying it allows you to progressively receive and assimilate the information. It’s a typical protective technique that helps you become indifferent to the severity of the circumstance.

However, once you emerge from ignorance, the feelings you’ve been suppressing will start to surface. You’ll be faced with such a great deal of sadness you’ve been denying. This is also an aspect of the grieving process, although it can be tough.

Anger

As the reality of the loss sets in, individuals may experience intense anger or resentment towards themselves, others, or even the person who has died.

Anger might take the form of resentment or hatred. It could not be obvious hatred or wrath.

This phase of mourning will not be experienced by everybody. Some may stay here.

Yet, once the anger passes, you may start thinking more sensibly about what’s going on and express the feelings you’ve been ignoring.

Bargaining

In the bargaining stage of The Grief Cycle, individuals may try to negotiate with a higher power or try to make deals to avoid the pain of their loss. It can be a difficult and painful stage, as it often involves feelings of helplessness and desperation.

It’s also fairly unusual for religious individuals to strike a bargain or make a pledge to God or a higher power in exchange for treatment or release from grief and misery. Bargaining is a layer of protection against grief’s feelings. It allows you to put off your unhappiness, bewilderment or hurt.

Depression

The depression stage is marked by a deep sense of sadness and despair. In this stage, individuals may withdraw from their relationships, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and struggle with feelings of hopelessness.

Depression may appear to be an unavoidable situation. Nevertheless, if you experience anxiety or are unable to get out of this phase of mourning, you can speak with a professional in mental illness. A therapist can assist you in working through this period of adjustment.

Acceptance

A sense of peace and acceptance characterizes the final stage. In this stage, individuals come to terms with their loss and begin to rebuild their lives.

​​We frequently believe that by starting to live once more and enjoy life, we are abandoning our loved ones. We will never be able to restore what was gone, but we may forge stronger relationships, significant partnerships, and interdependencies.

So rather than ignoring our emotions, we listen to them; we move, adapt, develop, and grow. We could start reaching out to others and getting interested in their lives. We make investments in our connections and in our self-esteem. We begin to live anew, but only when we have given sadness its due.

The Main Point of The Grief Cycle

Recognizing that no one feels sorrow, in the same way, is essential to comprehend it. Grief is incredibly individualised, and you might experience complex moods each time. You might require many days, or your grieving may last for years.

Coping with grief can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, but understanding the grief cycle can help individuals feel less alone in their pain.

If you realize you need assistance dealing with sentiments and emotions or want to know more about The Grief Cycle, a mental health expert may assist you. They can help you to examine your emotions and discover a feeling of confidence in these extremely heavy and burdensome emotions.

It’s also important to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional, who can offer guidance, and support, and help individuals work through their grief in a healthy way. With time and support, individuals can begin to heal and move towards a sense of peace and acceptance.