The 7 Stages of Grief: A Path Through Loss and Healing

Everyone Grieves Differently

If you’re grieving right now, you might be wondering if what you’re feeling is “normal.” The short answer is yes.

Everyone grieves differently. Most people, however, pass through the same common experiences after loss.

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the original five stages of grief in 1969, based on her work with terminally ill patients. Over time, practitioners expanded this to seven stages by adding the upward turn and reconstruction – acknowledging the gradual shift from acute grief toward rebuilding life.

Think of these stages as a map showing the possible terrain you might encounter as you work through grief, not a well-defined route. Some people experience all seven stages. Others skip stages entirely. Many oscillate between stages, revisiting pain they thought they’d moved past. All of these patterns are normal.