The often overpowering feelings of grief such as heartache, sorrow and anguish are typically brought on by some type of major loss. You may be advised by caring people to hold your chin up; less empathic types may encourage you to get over it. Overcoming grief requires that you move through a series of stages that may or may not always go in a predictable order but ultimately end with accepting your loss and moving forward.
Denial
The first stage of grief is typically denying the fact there has been a loss, according to Memorialhospital.org. When a relationship first ends, you may tell yourself that this isn't happening and things will return to normal soon. Denial may serve to cushion the blow as you come to terms with the reality of the painful loss you've endured.
Anger
A grieving person may become infuriated with the person or event that caused his pain. Anger is a normal and appropriate response to grief. But getting stuck in hurtful feelings like anger and resentment can steal precious energy and prolong the healing process, cautions Helpguide.org.
Bargaining
A grieving person may attempt to make bargains, in a desperate bid to return life to its previous state. You may, for instance, offer to do anything to get a relationship back. This can mean making promises to your former partner or even trying to make deals with God. Attempts at bargaining may come and go throughout the grieving process.
Depression
The depression and sadness felt in the grieving process is essentially another form of anger, explains Divorceinfo.com. But rather than feeling anger toward another person, these feelings turn inward. You may feel numb or think you are insignificant and worthless.
Acceptance
As anger and sadness slowly begin to dissipate, you can begin to accept your loss and let go of your grief. Acceptance can be quite freeing, as it makes room for new hopes and dreams that will eventually take the place of your old ones.
