The 7 stages of grief, explained

Here's what you may expect.

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LET'S TALK Q What are the stages of grief? A Grief is very personal. It's not neat or linear, and it doesn't follow any timelines or schedules. You may cry, withdraw, become angry, or feel empty. None of this is unusual or wrong. Although everyone grieves differently, we generally move through the same stages and sequence of emotions. Stage 1: Denial. This gives you time to absorb the news gradually and begin processing it. This is a common defense mechanism typically used to numb the intensity of the situation. For example, breakup denial could look like "they're just upset, they'll come back around tomorrow," or "this isn't happening, the results are wrong" when given a terminal illness diagnosis. Stage 2: Anger. Where denial may be considered a coping mechanism, anger is a masking effect that aims to hide many of the emotions and pain you carry. It may be redirected to the person who died, an ex, your old boss, or even inanimate objects. Not everyone will experience this stage, but others may linger here until they begin to feel the emotions they've been pushing aside. Stage 3: Bargaining. During this stage, you might find yourself creating many "what if" and "if only" statements. You may feel vulnerable and helpless. In those moments of intense emotion, it's common to look for ways to regain control or to want to feel like you can affect the outcome of an event. For example, someone who's religious may try to make a deal or promise to a higher power in return for healing or a sense of relief. Stage 4: Depression. Depression may feel like the inevitable landing point of any loss. You might find yourself feeling foggy, heavy, or confused, or avoiding others to fully cope with the loss. However, if you feel stuck here or need help coping, consider speaking with a mental health expert who can support you through this stage. Stage 5: Acceptance and hope. This isn't necessarily a "happy" or uplifting stage, and it certainly doesn't mean you've moved past the loss. But it does mean that you've accepted it and come to understand what it means in your life now. You may feel very different at this point, and that's expected after experiencing a major change. There may still be bad days, and that's OK — but better days are here and will keep coming. There are two more stages of grief — the upward turn and reconstruction. Read our guide below to learn more, including how long each stage may last, examples of how each one may present, and what else you can expect. STAGES OF GRIEF If you'd like to request a specific topic, offer feedback, or chime in with your answers to our weekly questions, feel free to email us at newsletters@healthline.com. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting you on the path to mental well-being. TRY THIS Get Care Fast Need advice or care? You may be able to consult with a healthcare professional and get treatment — quick, easy, and 100% online. GET CARE NOW MORE RESOURCES Find support for your journey Finding a therapist has never been easier Search by specialty, condition, or location to match with a mental health professional who meets your needs. FIND CARE Browse our mental health marketplace Explore our top picks for products, apps, and other tools that can help you manage anxiety and depression symptoms. SHOP NOW READ THIS We picked these articles just for you 6 Mental Health Benefits of Socializing for Aging Adults Read more > Depression and Anxiety: How to Treat Coexisting Symptoms Read more > 4 Benefits of Meditating in the Morning Read more > How to Help a Friend Who's Talking About Suicide Read more > Shop products Get care Shipping info View in browser Unsubscribe Privacy policy We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. Healthline, Optum Now, and their respective logo(s) are trademarks of RVO Health, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © ‌2026‌ RVO Health, LLC. All Rights Reserved. ‌1101‌ Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC, ‌29707 ‌