subject: A Summary Of The 5 Phases Of Grief [print this page] Although every person's grief is unique, and different people deal with theirs in different ways, everyone basically goes through five phases. You can therefore understand and empathize with someone who is grieving because of these common denominators. Let us take a look at them briefly in this article.
Denial
If you have just broken up with your partner, you will find it very difficult to come to terms with what has happened. People instinctively deny the occurrence of anything bad. The first reaction is often something like, 'Oh no. This isn't true' However, you should make a conscious effort to move past the denial phase as fast as possible. It is when you have moved past this stage that you will be ready to go to the next level.
Anger
Coming to terms with your grief after you have gone past the denial level is anger. You need to handle this phase very carefully, as you may become quite destructive. You may engage in actions that you will regret later on. Both your relationship as well as property may end up in pieces! Throwing temper tantrums will only make matters more complicated.
Bargaining
This does not just involve bargaining with your ex but with the world at large. Here too, you may end up experiencing unpleasant results. You should try to avoid making some kind of bargain. However, if you see that you really need to do it, be very careful with what you are bargaining for. You may get something that proves too hard to swallow.
Depression
It is the deep sense of sorrow that accompanies grief that people are generally aware of. Although it is normal to be sorrowful, there is great risk of it degenerating into clinical depression, which is another case all together. In case you notice any physical symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical care without delay. A break-up will not just affect you emotionally. In addition, there is great risk of being seriously affected physically as well, given that the circumstance can create very real chemical changes in your body.
Acceptance
This is the final phase of grief that everyone should strive to reach. It is only when you finally accept what has happened that you will be able to move on with your life.
This does not mean that when you have finally accepted the situation, then you will not feel any sadness. You will still feel down every now and then. However, what you are feeling won't interfere with your life any more. You will need to be committed to focusing ahead every day. Although the painful memories may not disappear entirely, your sadness will gradually become less and less.
