Just when you feel like no one can relate with you or that you can’t relate with those who have lost someone. I am sure there are countless books on how to recognize, deal with, move through and complete the stages.

1-Denial
“This can’t be happening to me”, looking for the former person in familiar places, or if it is death, setting the table for the person or acting as if they are still in living there. No crying. Not accepting or even acknowledging the loss.

2-Anger
“Why me?” Feelings of wanting to fight back or get even with spouse of the divorce or breakup. For death the person has anger at the deceased, blaming them for leaving.

3-Bargaining
Bargaining often takes place before the loss. Attempting to make deals with the spouse who is leaving, or attempting to make deals with God to stop or change the loss. Begging, wishing and
praying for them to come back.

4-Depression
Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, frustration, bitterness, self pity, mourning loss of person as well as the hopes, dreams and plans for the future. Feeling lack of control, feeling numb, perhaps even feeling suicidal.

5-Acceptance
There is a difference between resignation and acceptance. You have to accept the loss, not just try to bear it quietly. Realization that it takes two to make or break a marriage or relationship. Realization that the person is gone.

In death, knowing that it is not their fault, they didn’t leave you on purpose. (even in cases of suicide, often the deceased person, was not in their right frame of mind)
Finding the good that can come out of the pain of loss, finding comfort and healing. Our goals turn toward personal growth. Stay with fond memories of person.