As we welcome in the New Year we might find ourselves letting go of past relationships. Even though you may be excited for the fresh start you might find yourself going through the five stages of grief. Even though you’re cutting off a bad relationship, you are still dealing with a loss. These steps are the same if you are experiencing a death, or divorce as well. These five steps can apply to any big changes in ones life:
‣ Denial – This stage is when you believe that the reality of the situation is untrue. You may believe that your reality is dream, and cling to a falsehood.
‣ Anger – This stage is when you may become frustrated with the reality. This is where you might look for someone, or something to take your anger out on.
‣ Bargaining – This stage is when you believe there is another option to avoid the reality. This is when you believe you can make a compromise.
‣ Depression – This is the stage that you may feel the most withdrawn from reality. You may experience a deep sadness and a lack of purpose.
‣ Acceptance – Is the stage when you come to terms with reality. This is the most positive stage you can find yourself in. Typically when you’ve reached this stage, you’ve completed the five stages. However, that is not always the case.
According to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, author of On Death and Dying, created the model of the five stages of grief after extensive research. These stages of grief don’t fall into any order and do not have a set amount of time in which they occur. This means that you can spend two weeks in denial, but only one day in anger. Kubler-Ross found that these five emotions are the most commonly shared among people.
Significant changes in one’s life can emotionally derail us. However, understanding these five steps can help you get back on track. Just know, if you’re experiencing grief of any kind, it will eventually pass.