How Long Do the 7 Stages of Grief Last? Understanding the Timeline

The 7 Stages of Grief Explained

Grief, something we all go through at some point in our lives, can be an overwhelming and unpredictable journey. The famous "7 stages of grief" model, first proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969, helps us understand the emotional upheaval that comes with loss. But how long do these stages actually last? Well, there’s no simple answer, and I know from personal experience that it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Let me walk you through the stages and give you a better idea of what to expect.

Denial: The First Step in Grief

Denial is often the first stage of grief, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: you can’t believe what’s happened. I remember when my friend lost her mother, she couldn’t even say the words "she’s gone" for days. Instead, she kept saying, "She’ll be back, she’s just resting." This phase can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But, for some, it could stretch even longer.

The duration of denial depends on how prepared you were for the loss. If it was unexpected or sudden, denial might linger as you try to process the shock. It’s your mind’s way of protecting you, even if it’s hard to see it that way at the time.

Anger: When Emotions Get Intense

The anger stage is one of the most intense. You may feel frustrated, resentful, or even rageful at the unfairness of it all. "Why did this happen to me?" is a common thought. It’s definitely not pretty. Personally, I’ve had moments where I was mad at the world for no apparent reason during my own grief, just because I couldn’t process what had happened.

This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. It depends on the circumstances and the individual. Some people go through anger quickly, while others find themselves stuck in it for a long time. It’s frustrating, but it’s important to allow yourself to feel it. The key is not to hold onto that anger forever.

Bargaining: A Desire for Control

Bargaining is when you find yourself thinking, "If only I had done this differently" or "What if I had said that?" It’s that desire to change the past or to find a way to bring your loved one back. I’ve had people tell me they kept asking "Why couldn’t I have been there?" during a loss. It’s normal, but it’s also futile. The truth is, no amount of bargaining can change the outcome.

This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, often depending on your emotional state. If you’re someone who likes control, bargaining might last longer because you’re trying to "fix" something that’s already happened.

Depression: The Heavy Weight

This is where the grief can feel most crushing. Depression during grief isn’t just sadness; it’s a deep feeling of emptiness and hopelessness. I’ve had friends who went into seclusion during this stage, not answering calls or going out for weeks. The weight of depression can last anywhere from a couple of months to even a year, especially if the loss was particularly devastating.

It’s not easy, and it’s important to give yourself grace during this time. Seeking help from a therapist or support group can make this stage more bearable, but it’s still going to be tough.

Acceptance: Coming to Terms with the Loss

Acceptance isn’t about being okay with the loss; it’s more about coming to terms with it. This stage can often feel like a quiet moment of peace after the storm of emotions. It doesn’t mean you’re "over it"—you’ll never truly "get over" the loss of a loved one—but it’s about learning to live without them.

For me, acceptance came a lot later than I expected. I was talking with a close friend recently, and we both agreed that acceptance can sneak up on you without you even realizing it. For some, this stage might come in a few months, while for others, it could take years.

How Long Do These Stages Last?

So, back to the big question—how long do the 7 stages of grief last? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people may pass through these stages quickly, while for others, it can take years. Grief isn’t linear, and these stages can overlap or even loop back on themselves.

Generally, grief lasts anywhere from a few months to a few years. A study I came across recently suggests that most people start feeling like themselves again after about a year. But again, that’s just a guideline. Your timeline may differ, and that’s okay.

The Timeline is Unique to Each Person

Remember that everyone’s grief is unique. You may experience some stages for a long time, skip others, or even return to a stage you thought you had already passed. I’ve had people tell me they felt stuck in anger for months, while others went straight from denial to acceptance. The key is to be patient with yourself and not compare your grief journey to anyone else’s.

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Whether it’s a therapist, a support group, or a close friend, talking about what you’re going through can help you navigate these stages.

Conclusion: It’s Okay to Grieve in Your Own Time

Grief is hard. It’s painful, and it takes time. The 7 stages of grief don’t follow a predictable timeline, and that’s completely normal. Be kind to yourself, and don’t rush the process. It’s okay to take as much time as you need to heal.

Have you gone through these stages yourself? Or maybe you’re supporting someone who is grieving? Either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts. It helps to know that we’re not alone in this journey.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.