Updated 10/16/2024
Grief is a complex process and emotion that affects us all in different ways. Understanding what to expect from a grief timeline can help you move through the process, but how long does grief last? It’s an important question to ask, and perhaps the most critical thing to understand about grief is that it has no single timeline.
The grieving process depends on factors like age, circumstances, and the nature of the loss — even culture can play a role. Keep reading as we explore the various aspects of grief, so you know exactly what to expect when mourning the death of a loved one or dealing with other challenging events in life.
Grief Counseling OnlineYou don’t have to wait for help processing your loss. Access grief counseling within daysStart here
Grief Counseling OnlineYou don’t have to wait for help processing your loss. Access grief counseling within days
Grief Counseling Online
You don’t have to wait for help processing your loss. Access grief counseling within days
Start here
The Non-Linear Timeline of Grief
Grief is unique for each person, so when trying to determine how long grieving lasts, keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all grief timeline.
“Grieving is a unique experience and no one’s experience is the same. Similar emotions are felt at different points in the grieving cycle, but not in a pattern that can be predicted. This is normal and it’s perfectly acceptable. It’s important to allow emotions and thoughts to take place and work through them. There’s no set timeline of when grieving ends. In some sense, grief is never gone, but the severity of the grief diminishes over time.”
Some people feel better after a few weeks or months following their loss, but others might feel stuck in a cycle of pain and sorrow for years afterward.
How Long Does Someone Usually Grieve for?
How long does grieving last on average? The length of time someone grieves will depend on you, your circumstances, and the type of significant loss you’ve experienced. On average, normal grief can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more.Research showsthat many people find their grief starts to improve within about 6 months after a loss.
Factors That Impact How You Process & Heal From Grief
Many factors influence how we experience and process grief. This knowledge can help us better cope with our emotions.
What to Expect From the Stages of Grief
Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first identified thestages of griefin the late 1960s. She pinpointed five distinct stages of grief.
Denial is often the first stage of grief, where an individual refuses to accept the reality of a loss. They may deny any feelings associated with their loss or attempt to avoid thinking about it altogether. This stage can help you cope with the shock of what’s happened and provide you with time to adjust before moving on to other emotions.
Anger is a common emotion during grief. It can manifest in various forms, like blaming yourself or others for what has happened or feeling frustrated about being unable to change the situation. Finding healthy outlets is essential if your anger becomes something you’re struggling to manage.
Bargaining occurs when you try (often subconsciously) to negotiate a way out of emotional pain. For example, you might make deals with yourself ( If I do X then Y won’t happen ) or with your higher power ( Please let me have one more day ). While this behavior might temporarily relieve emotional distress, it’s usually short-lived. Bargaining ultimately can’t address the underlying issues that must be faced for healing to happen.
While these stages are commonly accepted as part of the grieving process, they may not necessarily occur in this order — or at all for some people. And for those who experienced an unexpected loss, they may have unresolved grief. Either way, grief is part of the healing process of moving on after losing a loved one.
Does Grieving Ever Stop?
Grieving never truly stops because our lives are forever changed when we lose someone we love. Over time, however, we can learn how to cope with our new reality. This allows us to start healing emotionally and can eventually lead us to acceptance. Of course, there will always be moments when you miss the person you lost.
How to Make Grief Easier to Cope withAlthough there isn’t an exact timeline that answers how long should it take to grieve, there are some things you can do to make it easier to cope:Allow yourself space and time– Give yourself permission, not only physically but mentally, to take breaks away from work/family commitments if needed. Give yourself plenty of space and quiet moments alone if you need them during your grief journey.Take care of yourself– Make sure you take care of your physical needs. Eat healthy meals regularly and try to exercise daily — even a short walk can do wonders for your well-being. Do things that bring you joy. Read books, listen to music, be creative, and do anything you love. Doing small daily acts ofself-carewill help you slowly build resilience over time.Seek help from professionals– Talking about your feelings with a therapist or counselor can be incredibly beneficial as you learnhow to deal with grief. They can teach you effectivegrief therapy techniquesthat help you cope with the pain.“There’s no quick tip or trick to hasten the grieving process, but there are ways to help a person cope with it and work through it in a healthy manner. Be sure to rely on your established grief support system, allow for the necessary emotions (even the ‘bad’ ones) to take purchase, and if it becomes too much, seek help, online or in person. Grief therapists specifically work with bereaved individuals struggling and can often lend insights and more coping skills to help.”Talkspace therapist Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHCGrief can be an overwhelming and difficult emotion to process. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to get help throughonline grief counseling. Online therapy is a safe space that offers grief support and resources for navigating the grieving process. With professional guidance from Talkspace therapists specialized in bereavement, you can find relief from your sorrow and begin healing on your terms. Please don’t suffer alone — we’re here to help you navigate the grief process, no matter how long that takes.
How to Make Grief Easier to Cope with
Although there isn’t an exact timeline that answers how long should it take to grieve, there are some things you can do to make it easier to cope:
“There’s no quick tip or trick to hasten the grieving process, but there are ways to help a person cope with it and work through it in a healthy manner. Be sure to rely on your established grief support system, allow for the necessary emotions (even the ‘bad’ ones) to take purchase, and if it becomes too much, seek help, online or in person. Grief therapists specifically work with bereaved individuals struggling and can often lend insights and more coping skills to help.”
Grief can be an overwhelming and difficult emotion to process. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to get help throughonline grief counseling. Online therapy is a safe space that offers grief support and resources for navigating the grieving process. With professional guidance from Talkspace therapists specialized in bereavement, you can find relief from your sorrow and begin healing on your terms. Please don’t suffer alone — we’re here to help you navigate the grief process, no matter how long that takes.
Sources:
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