It’s not easy to go through a breakup. In fact, it’s one of the most difficult experiences you can go through in life.
All of your emotions are heightened and you may even feel like your world is crashing down around you.
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how you’ll react after a breakup, there are certain stages that will likely pass through your mind as time goes on.
The following seven stages of a breakup should help you get through this tough time:
7 Stages Of A Breakup
1. Shock
When you first realize that your relationship is over, it can be hard to believe.
You may feel numb and like you’re in a daze.
Your mind races with questions:
How could this have happened?
What went wrong?
Will we ever get back together?
This is a normal reaction when you first find out that your relationship is over.
You may feel like you’re in a daze and unable to respond, but it’s important to remember that the shock will pass.
2. Denial
In the first few days after a breakup, you may feel like nothing has really changed.
You might pretend that nothing has happened and act as if nothing is wrong.
You might even try to get back together with your ex-partner.
Denial can be a strong defense mechanism because it helps us cope with difficult situations by making us feel less vulnerable.
It’s normal to go through this stage, but remembering that your relationship is over will help you move on to the next stage of grief: anger.
3. Anger
Anger is a normal reaction to loss.
It’s a sign that you’re starting to feel better, because it means that you’ve accepted your breakup and are finally able to move on.
You might yell at your friends or family members when they try to comfort you, or maybe even break things in anger.
This is completely normal! Just remember that the best way to deal with anger is by expressing it rather than bottling it up inside.
You may also start to feel angry at your ex, who has now become the person who ruined your relationship.
It’s natural to be angry with someone who hurt you, especially if they did it on purpose or in a way that was thoughtless and cruel.
You might start to feel angry at yourself, too.
If you feel like the breakup was your fault or if you’re beating yourself up over things that happened during the relationship, take some time to talk with a counsellor or get some advice from a friend who’s been through similar experiences.
4. Bargaining
You may start to feel like you can’t accept the breakup and will do anything to get your ex back.
You might offer to make changes in yourself or your behavior, hoping that it will make things better between you.
This is called bargaining, and while it’s natural to want what’s best for your relationship, don’t compromise who you are just because someone else wants something different from you.
5. Depression
You may feel sad or depressed for a while after the breakup.
You might have trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating on your daily activities.
Depression is a very real problem that can interfere with your ability to function at home, work and school.
If you find yourself feeling this way, talk with someone who understands what you’re going through; they’ll be able to help you get back on track.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. If you feel that your depression is more serious than it should be or that it’s interfering with your daily life, then you should seek professional help immediately.
6. Acceptance
Acceptance is the final stage of grieving, and it doesn’t mean that you’re happy with what happened; it simply means that you’ve come to terms with it and are ready to move on.
You may find yourself feeling nostalgic about your relationship or wondering if things could’ve been different.
But eventually, these feelings will pass as you move forward in your life without your ex.
You may feel a sense of relief when you finally accept that your relationship is over, but it’s important to remember that acceptance doesn’t mean that you’re ready to move on.
You’ll still be dealing with the loss and grieving for quite some time after this stage.
7. Moving On
Moving on is the final stage of the grieving process.
It’s when you begin to feel a sense of hope for your future and start thinking about what you want out of life.
You may find yourself feeling optimistic about the future or being more open to meeting new people.
It may take some time, but eventually, you’ll be able to see your breakup as something good; even if it was difficult at first, accepting that it’s over will help put an end to your pain and suffering.
Breakups are never easy—but they don’t have to be permanent either.
Just take things one day at a time and remind yourself that this too shall pass.
Before long, you’ll be ready for love again and next time, it’ll be even better than before.