1) Denial

Denial is an avoidance behaviour that’s used to protect ourselves from pain. And, like many things, it can be healthy or unhealthy depending on how much you use it.

If you’re in denial about your ex and refuse to believe they no longer want to be with you, it could lead you down a negative path that includes lots of self-doubt and regret.

It might also prevent you from moving on emotionally and starting new relationships.

2) Anger

Whether you initiated it or not, breakups are one of life’s most painful experiences. Whether you took it well or not, anger is probably also part of your post-breakup phase.

Feelings of anger can manifest themselves in many ways, such as yelling and acting aggressively towards those around you.

Drinking more than usual and even socialising with others who were previously on your block list. This stage can be pretty depressing, but like all phases, it will eventually pass, and things will look up again soon enough.

3) Begging

Breaking up is hard. After you get over denial and anger, you might have moments when you beg your ex for a second chance. This usually happens when we’re dealing with feelings of depression.

You’ll want everything to go back to normal so severely that you’ll do anything it takes. That doesn’t mean begging will work—it probably won’t. But at least you know there’s hope… right?

4) Depression

After your breakup, you may feel very depressed. You may even think about committing suicide. However, you mustn’t give up hope; instead, lean on friends and family who will be there for you when things are at their lowest.

Seek out support groups or join social media networks, such as Facebook, where others can offer advice or share tips they’ve discovered to help ease your heartache.

5) Acceptance

Acceptance will be your eventual destination, but it is not where you’ll begin.

You’ll have moments of acceptance along your journey, such as when you see your ex with their new partner, but for now, you are probably still quite annoyed and sad about what has happened.

Acceptance is something that takes time (I hope!), so don’t rush it and don’t let someone else tell you when it has arrived for you.

Read more: Shiny Object Syndrome – why people fail & give up.

Conclusion

The Post-Breakup Blues: While you may feel relief that you’re no longer in a stressful relationship, it’s essential not to ignore your feelings. When you break up with someone, or when someone breaks up with you, it can feel like part of your identity has been lost.

You are likely grieving over both your relationship and what it meant to you. Just know that you can move forward from here, maybe just not with that person.