The five stages of grief

Grief comes in many guises. Of course we grieve when we experience a loss such as a bereavement but we can also grieve for the end of a marriage or relationship. 

There is no timeline for this grief, and it’s not a linear process. We will have good days and bad and sometimes we can go back and forth between stages. It might take us two years to process all of our emotions or five years. Grief is a very personal experience. 

Here are the five stages and how they can manifest.

Denial - This doesn’t mean that you won’t accept the truth. It means that you are incapable of processing what’s happening to you. You might feel really stressed out and have stress related headaches, insomnia, lack of appetite.

Anger - Anger stems from being lied to, betrayed, rejected or abandoned. You might be angry with yourself or frustrated or anxious with what’s happening in the divorce. A little bit of anger is actually good for you and it helps us move on.  

Bargaining - Bargaining is the “what if” or “what if I had done more” stage. It’s when we start to draw meaning from what has happened. 

Depression - The fourth stage of the grieving process. This comes from sadness, loneliness or hurt. You might start to feel guilty about the divorce and the impact that it has had on your loved ones.

Acceptance - this is the final stage. We are finally where we are meant to be. We love and accept ourselves and are ready to start rebuilding. 

Understanding the five stages of grief can help prepare us for what lies ahead emotionally. 

If you are going through a divorce or relationship break-up make sure you are being kind to yourself. Eat healthily, exercise and get help where you need it.