The loss of a relationship can be heartbreaking and leave you feeling lost, angry, confused and terrified of an uncertain future. Grief can strike suddenly and pull the rug out from under the normal routine you have come to expect. When a marriage or relationship ends due to divorce, a breakup or death most you may move through 5 predictable stages of grief on the road to recovery. The National Institutes of Health, NIH points out however that you may not necessarily experience every stage nor do they always occur in a specific order.
Shock & Denial
The first line of defense in response to grief can be disbelief. Psychiatrist and author of the book "On Death and Dying," Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D. said that denial can help you cope with the overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, sorrow, shame, guilt and anxiety that grief can produce.
Sorting out your various feelings with a close family member, friend or professional therapist may help you begin to come to terms with your loss, according to the Mayo Clinic website, MayoClinic.com.
Anger
Anger is an important part of the grieving process, according to Kubler-Ross. You may become furious with your ex for the pain she has caused you. You may feel as though you want to get revenge with your partner for leaving you even in the case of death. The more you allow yourself to feel anger the sooner you will heal.
Deal Making
You may resort to bargaining as you struggle to find a way to get your relationship back or promise to become a better spouse or partner and essentially beg your ex to take you back so your life can return to normal. Kubler-Ross notes that you may even attempt to make a deal with God by promising to become a better person if only your loved one will return.
Sadness
Sadness may set in as you break through denial and taper futile attempts at bargaining efforts. You may have moments when you feel as if you can't go on and feel as though your pain will never end according to Kubler-Ross. Acknowledge and accept your feelings of distress without acting on them harm yourself or others.
Acceptance
Acceptance is a major turning point in the grieving process. You may feel sad from time to time about your lost relationship but you accept the fact that it no longer exists. You may not be happy that your relationship ended but you know you'll survive and move on with your life. The NIH points out that it can take a year or longer to fully accept your loss.
