The Stages of Grief: What's Normal to Feel

The stages aren't a staircase

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance may come out of order and circle back around. That's normal: grief isn't linear and doesn't move neatly from one point to the next. Don't be alarmed if something you thought was "behind you" returns.

What counts as normal

Mood swings, insomnia, a sense that what's happening isn't real are common companions of loss. There can be physical signs too: fatigue, a lump in the throat, absent-mindedness. These usually ease over time.

Everyone's path is their own

Some people cry, some go numb, some throw themselves into busyness; there's no single "right" way to grieve. Comparing your grief to someone else's is pointless and painful. Trust your own pace.

When you need help

If your state hasn't shifted in months, makes living impossible, or thoughts of harming yourself appear, it's important to see a specialist. That's not weakness; it's sensible care for yourself. In acute cases, help is needed without delay.

• The stages come out of order and return.
• Mood swings, insomnia, absent-mindedness are normal.
• There's no single "right" way to grieve.
• A prolonged, heavy state is a reason to see a specialist.