Many people all over the world are going through something difficult, which grieving phase do people typically go through the longest?

The stages of grieving the loss of a loved one is experienced by all people going through something difficult. These stages can be in four or five stages. The five stages are: 1. Denial and Isolation, 2. Anger, 3. Bargaining, 4. Depression, 5. Acceptance. The four stages are: 1. Numbness and Shock, 2. Separation, 3. Disorganization, 4. Reorganization. The Anger phase or Separation phase are the phases that normally lasts the longest with people suffering a loss. Of course all people are different and could be stuck in other phases longer, yet Anger and Separation phases are the ones researchers have thought to last the longest. During this sometimes lasting phase, the impact of the persons loss has begun to be truly realized. Typically the onset of this phase has increased emotional pain occurring until it peaks at three to four months after the death. Strong emotions like fear, guilt, and anger are all experienced. The person is realizing that their lost loved one can not be replaced. People experiencing this phase can even be stuck for years in this phase. Talking to close friends/family and also a therapist or counselor can be very beneficial to the person experiencing a loss.

Sources:

1. Axelrod, Julie. "The 5 Stages of Loss and Grief." Psych Central. Published 30 January 2013. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-5-stages-of-loss-and-grief/000617

2. Burnett, Lynn Barkley. "Grief and Bereavement." E Medicine Health. Published 15 September 2013. Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/grief_and_bereavement/page7_em.htm