The 5 Grieving Process Stages Explained
A Spiritual Guide to Mourning
When you lose someone you love, it can feel like the ground disappears beneath your feet.
Many people search for the grieving process stages or mourning stages because they want to understand what they are going through.
The most well-known model is the 5 Stages of Grief by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. These stages are not a straight line; they are more like a spiral or a dance.
You can move back and forth, skip stages, or feel several at once.
There is no timeline and no “wrong” way to grieve.
Here is a compassionate, spiritual explanation of each stage, together with insights from my spirit guide Ben.
The Grieving and Mourning Stages
1. Denial – “This can’t be real.”
In the beginning, your mind often protects you with denial.
You may feel numb or shocked, or keep thinking, “This isn’t happening.”
Spiritual perspective: Denial gives your soul time to absorb the truth slowly.
Ben often says:
“Your soul already knows, but your human heart needs time. Be patient with yourself.
The love is still there, it has only changed form.”
2. Anger – “Why did this happen?”
Anger can explode toward doctors, God, family members, or even the person who passed.
You may feel furious, irritable, or a sense of unfairness.
Spiritual perspective: Anger is energy that wants to be expressed. It is not “unspiritual”, it is human.
Ben reminds us:
“Anger is love that is hurting. Let it out in safe ways.
Your loved one understands and does not judge you.”
3. Bargaining – “If only…”
This stage is filled with “what ifs” and “if only I had…” thoughts.
Many people make silent deals with the universe: “Please give them back and I will…”
Spiritual perspective: Bargaining shows how deeply you loved.
Ben teaches:
“Your loved one does not want you to carry guilt. They are at peace.
They want you to release the ‘what ifs’ and remember the love you shared.”
4. Depression – The deep sadness
This is often the heaviest stage. You may feel empty, exhausted, withdrawn, or that life has lost its meaning.
Spiritual perspective: This is the stage where many people feel most alone.
Yet Ben offers this comfort:
“We see your tears. We sit with you in the silence. This darkness is not forever.
Your loved ones are sending you light, even when you cannot feel it yet.”
5. Acceptance – Finding a new way to live
Acceptance does not mean “I’m over it.” It means you learn to live with the loss. The pain becomes part of your story instead of the entire story. You start to smile again and carry their memory with love.
Spiritual perspective: Ben shares one of his most beautiful messages here:
“Acceptance is when you realize the love never left. It simply changed shape.
Your loved one is still with you; in your heart, in signs, and in moments of joy.”
Important Reminders About the Grieving Process
- The stages are not linear — you can experience them in any order.
- Grief has no expiration date.
- Some days you feel acceptance, the next day denial again. That is completely normal.
- Pet loss follows the same stages and is just as valid.
How Our Free eBook Supports You Through Every Stage
In the free eBook Grief and Loss – Spiritual Support in Times of Mourning, you will find:
- Deeper explanations of each stage with spiritual insights
- Gentle exercises and journal prompts for every phase
- Ways to support children through the mourning stages
- How to create a memorial space at home
- Comforting messages from Ben for the difficult days
Download the Free Grief and Loss eBook Now.
You Are Not Alone
Grief can feel incredibly lonely, but you are surrounded by love, both on this side and the other side.
If you would like personal support, I invite you to book a mediumship reading with Ben and me.
Many people read the eBook first, then reach out when they feel ready to receive a direct message from their loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 stages of grief?
The 5 stages of grief are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first described them and helped many people understand their emotions after losing a loved one.
Are the 5 stages of the grieving process linear?
No. Most people do not go through the stages in a straight line. You can move back and forth, experience several stages at the same time, or skip some entirely. Grief is very personal.
How long do the stages of mourning last?
There is no fixed timeline. Some people feel better after a few months, while others take one or more years. There is no “normal” timeframe, only your own.
Is it normal to feel stuck in one of the stages?
Yes, very normal. Many people get stuck in Anger or Depression for a while. The free eBook contains gentle exercises and journal prompts to help you move forward when you feel ready.
Can you experience the stages of grief for the loss of a pet, too?
Absolutely. The loss of a beloved pet follows the same emotional stages. The pain is real and valid.
How does spirit guide Ben help with the grieving process?
Ben offers loving, comforting messages that remind you that your loved one is at peace and still connected to you. His insights help reduce guilt, fear, and the feeling of being alone.
Is acceptance the same as forgetting the person I lost?
No. Acceptance means learning to live with the loss while still carrying the love and memories with you. The connection continues; it just changes form.
Can spiritual work, such as mediumship, help during the stages of mourning?
Yes. Many people find that receiving messages from their loved one through a mediumship reading brings great comfort, especially during Depression or when they feel stuck.
What should I do if grief feels overwhelming?
Be gentle with yourself. Use the tools in the free eBook, talk to supportive people, and consider professional grief counseling if needed. Spiritual support and therapy work very well together.
Where can I get more support?
You can download our free eBook Grief and Loss – Spiritual Support in Times of Mourning, read more blog posts, or book a personal reading with Ben and me.
With warmth, understanding and light,
Barbara & Spirit Guide Ben
Read our blog post: How to cope with Grief and Loss.