Stages of depression during separation. Stages of experiencing a breakup, how people experience a breakup. Feeling bad after a breakup is normal.

Romantic relationships are always great! They inspire, energize and give confidence to each of the partners. But, unfortunately, many couples, for one reason or another, have to leave. This period is usually experienced painfully. It takes a lot of effort to recover from a breakup and open a new page in life. Losing is always hard, especially the one with whom you had a serious and trusting relationship.

At first, after parting, it may seem that life was cut short, and nothing in it will bring the former joy and inspiration. But these thoughts and feelings can be dealt with. The main thing is to go through the stages of breaking up the relationship correctly. “Correctly” means “do not hang out” on each of them and take the necessary measures in time so as not to aggravate the situation.

6 separation stages

Stage #1 Loss Denial: "No, it couldn't happen!" or "No, it's not with me!"

At this stage, men and women have such feelings as fear, misunderstanding, severe anxiety. Denial is one of the main psychological defense mechanisms and manifests itself when an event causes severe stress in a person, and he refuses to accept it.

For consciousness, this is some delay in time to digest everything that happens. After a breakup, your brain doesn't want to accept that your loved one is no longer in your life. Shared goals, values, hopes and plans - losing all this turns out to be unbearable. Then we can find justification and reassurance for ourselves, that everything that happened is temporary, that this is some kind of misunderstanding and the relationship will definitely resume. A clear understanding of the situation will come later.

An important task of passing through this stage is to come closer to understanding the reality of what is happening, no matter how painful it is. Any support would be helpful. Therefore, one should not be afraid to seek psychological help: it can be simple communication with relatives, friends, or consultation with a specialist.

Stage #2. Expression of feelings: “I hate him/her! I hate myself!"

After realizing the loss, most likely, strong negative emotions will flood: anger, anger, contempt, jealousy. We feel anger at the beloved (th) for leaving (-la), and at ourselves for not being able (could not) keep him (her) and not correcting (-l) the situation in time. There may be accusations and even threats against a loved one. Also, this stage is characterized by panic from the realization that he will no longer be around.

It is important, on the one hand, not to repress negative feelings, not to forbid oneself to be angry, and, on the other hand, not to go too far in the manifestation of aggression: not to threaten, not to use physical force against the former partner and not to try to take revenge. All negative emotions need to be thrown out in a way that is safe for yourself and others.

For example, express them on paper, cry or shout, start a diary, etc. You can tidy up things by throwing away or putting away everything that is connected with the previous relationship. Often this helps to get rid of oppressive memories and get rid of excessive negativity.

Stage number 3. Attempts to correct the situation and return everything: “Maybe we can try again?”

After the anger and contempt has dried up, the desire to renew the relationship often comes. This is some kind of attempt to deceive yourself and believe that you can return a loved one. It can manifest itself either only in a mental desire to return everything, or in actions: phone calls, messages to a former partner, appointments.

The temptation is great to linger at this stage, but this should not be allowed. Otherwise, an obsession can easily develop. It is important to occupy your thoughts with something else, switch to activities that will bring positive (dancing, sports, creativity, etc.). Any attempts to meet with a former lover (s), write SMS should be postponed until the desire to do this disappears.

Stage number 4. Indifference, depression: “There is no point in doing something. I do not want anything"

Depends on the success of the passage of the previous stages and may not occur if the condition begins to return to normal. Otherwise, a person is threatened with emotional exhaustion, and he falls into depression. Most often this manifests itself in a state of apathy, unwillingness to do anything.

A very dangerous stage, so it is urgent to take measures to combat stress (not to be alone, but to communicate more and share experiences with loved ones, apply relaxation techniques, engage in physical exercises and creativity, seek help from a psychologist).

Stage number 5. Acceptance of the situation: "Yes, it's a pity, but such is life!"

There is a recognition of the loss and end of the relationship, the emotional state is gradually stabilizing. The fifth stage is characterized by the fact that a person resigns himself to the need to part, ceases to carry the burden of the past, “lets go” of the situation.

It is important to learn from previous relationships, to realize the mistakes in your behavior and what you were able to learn during this time.

In addition to the above, you can find out more on our website.

The 5 stages of separation are related to overcoming the stress that a woman or man experiences after parting with a loved one. Stage 6 involves readiness for a new relationship.

Stage No. 6. Return to life: "Starting to live with a clean slate"

Fresh forces appear, a person becomes more energetic and self-confident, he can begin to actively change something in the environment. This is the time when new ideas are born in thoughts and there is a desire not only to dream, but also to make plans. Moving on to the 6th stage of parting, we gain meaningful experience and restore our faith in the future.

Few people think about the fact that the process of parting goes through 6 stages. Sometimes they go fast, sometimes they drag on. But in the end, their cycle is aimed at the harmonious completion of relationships, maintaining the integrity of the personality, and ensuring that everyone who experiences loss comes to the conclusion: “Life goes on, and everything will definitely work out for me!”

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When relationships between people become obsolete and a break occurs, a very painful process begins for a person. It is accompanied by feelings of disappointment, sadness, and intense mental pain. The loss of a loved one is rarely experienced easily and naturally. In this case, a person goes through certain stages and stages of termination of the relationship. Each of them is characterized by the emergence of various, mostly negative, emotions.

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    Emotional stages during a breakup

    In psychology, the separation of lovers is defined as the loss of a relationship. American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross drew up a plan for the stages of experiencing a breakup before the emergence of new feelings with a boyfriend or girlfriend. There are 5 stages of depression in the breakup of a relationship:

    • denial of what happened;
    • anger and hatred towards a partner;
    • bargaining and hope for reconciliation;
    • depression and apathy;
    • acceptance and starting life from scratch.

    These stages are the same for both men and women. And the difference in behavior is determined by individual qualities and habits. People express the same emotions in different ways.

    The first stage is denial and disagreement

    It is difficult to understand the separation and believe in what happened. People until the last hope that they will make peace with their other half and start all over again, that their beloved will call and say that there was no parting. The mind is aware of reality, but all the feelings seem to be frozen. This period can last from 3 weeks to 1.5 years.

    The second stage - anger and aggression

    After realizing that the partner has abandoned, resentment sets in, which turns into anger. Accusations and negative statements about the former lover begin. The desire to have something in common with him disappears. Aggression can also be directed at oneself. But there is no need to restrain yourself, as resentment can remain for life. This period lasts for several months.

    The third stage - bargaining and dialogue

    Numerous conversations with oneself begin. Options for the development of events are being worked out. A person tries to understand what he made a mistake, to imagine what would happen if he behaved differently. People are trying to create the illusion of a non-final break. At this stage, only themselves begin to blame for everything, and the partner is considered ideal.

    Fourth stage - depression

    The person realized that it would not be possible to return the relationship, and the gap occurred. Because of heavy thoughts, sadness, longing and depression come. Mourning a loved one and missing the past, a person simply exists. Everything is colorless and it seems that life is over.

    Fifth stage - acceptance

    Gradually, the feeling of loss begins to recede, there is a desire to change your life for the better. All grievances are forgotten. A person seeks to start new relationships and make acquaintances.

    How to survive separation from a man?

    The stages of depression during parting in women are longer and more emotionally pronounced. There are cases when they could not overcome this stage for more than 10 years.

    To cope with this condition, experts recommend creating for yourself the image of a successful, strong girl and getting used to it as much as possible. Try to experience as many pleasant emotions as possible. If you follow this rule, then the chance of finding a new partner for a relationship increases. This will help heal your emotional wounds.

    An important point is self-respect, self-love. If a woman does not value herself, then men, all the more, will not pay attention to her.

    How to recover from the loss of a loved one?

    Men endure the gap more acutely. Usually they are restrained and have a firm character. But in a situation where a partner decides to break the union, the male psyche is more receptive.

There is a gender stereotype that men are cynical and do not acutely experience a breakup. Is it so? The myth of cynicism comes from society, the stronger sex is often not allowed to show their emotionality and pain. In fact, the male sex can be both weak, and romantic, and vulnerable. So how do men deal with a breakup?

Features of male psychology

  1. After divorce, women are more prone to depression, and men tend to abuse alcohol.
  2. Men find it harder to cope with stress after breaking up with a loved one. They experience stress longer and harder after separation, because they do not pronounce the experience verbally, but drive it inside.
  3. The stronger sex after a painful separation is less likely to go to friends or relatives for consolation than girls. This makes it difficult for them.

Other authors argue that it is difficult for men to leave because of the peculiarities of communication in their environment. The male sex rarely shares their problems; in a friendly male company, there is rather light competition than mutual assistance. Parting with a beloved woman, all the difficulties of divorce and the emotional aspects of relationships are an example of weakness, and men do not want to “lose face”.

How does a man who left a woman feel?

Life situations are different, sometimes there is annoyance, fatigue from conflicts at parting, joy at the fact that a “bored relationship” has ended, guilt, shame or relief.

After the betrayal

Do men get over their infidelity? Sex with another woman for many husbands does not equate to betrayal or the fact that his love has passed. What does the man experience in this case? It all depends on the environment, upbringing, values, moral principles. A break in relations with a mistress may indicate a change in priorities, a desire to save a family. A married man will think through different options so that his wife does not find out about his betrayal. But psychologists assure that emotions during infidelity depend on a particular person. Someone will be tormented by a strong sense of guilt, but for someone, betrayal is an excuse to diversify their lives.

How men experience a breakup if a woman cheated

For the most part, men rarely forgive a woman for infidelity. The main emotions are resentment, aggression, hatred. The deceived husbands suffer, besides there is an imposed competition.

Stages of separation in men

The male sex often experiences a painful breakup in silence. But researchers from the University of Königsberg have established seven stages and found out how men experience a breakup. Stages:

  1. "I don't believe". The stronger sex denies what is happening. He cannot believe that his beloved woman left him, there was a break.
  2. Manifestation of negative feelings. At this stage, a man experiences the whole range of negative emotions - from aggression to resentment towards women.
  3. Depression. At this stage comes the awareness of separation. How is it at this time? Self-esteem decreases, longing is present, happy moments of life together are remembered.
  4. Awareness of the problem. After reflection, a feeling of guilt comes, for example, if you had to leave on your own initiative.
  5. Attempts to solve the problem. Some men drown out the pain with alcohol, someone goes headlong into work. Many try to start new relationships, but at this stage, novels are short-lived. Meeting girls can be to boost your self-esteem.
  6. After a painful period, the meaning of life appears, new desires appear, self-esteem returns.
  7. . The separated couple has already found or is looking for new partners. A man accepts the situation, he is ready to enter into a new relationship.

Psychological type and behavior at parting

Psychologists claim that people behave according to their psychotype when a relationship breaks up. They divide the strong sex into four types. What is the difference?

Predator

This type always fights for leadership, including in relationships. He is charismatic, self-confident, he has high self-esteem. During a divorce, the husband will put pressure on the lady; in such a marriage, a woman is rarely the initiator of a separation. He rarely cares about the feelings of his wife, he is authoritarian and cruel. If such a type will suffer, then only about missed opportunities.

Vulnerable

Soft, kind, sensitive person. He rarely initiates a breakup, never puts pressure on a woman, makes sacrifices for the sake of the family. When a break falls into depression, long worries. He really needs the help of friends and relatives with a divorce.

Mature

This type is able to build mature relationships based on trust and understanding. When parting, he experiences a range of feelings, goes into violent activity. After a divorce, he can maintain friendly relations with his wife.

Infantile

This type needs constant care. He perceives any gap as a situation of betrayal in relation to himself. He cannot live alone, often blackmails a woman, throws tantrums.

So how does a man deal with a breakup? The stronger sex may be silent, but this does not mean that they do not care. Usually their experiences are hidden, they are not used to sharing their pain, but they also need support.

Getting over a breakup isn't easy. Absolutely all people go through certain stages of parting - someone faster, someone longer. The site site will tell you about each of the stages and advise on how to cope with experiences.

This is fine!

If you find yourself in a situation with a loved one and it’s hard, bitter and bad for you from a variety of thoughts and emotions that have piled up at the same time, this is normal! Do not think that it is only you who is such a “nurse” and “rag”, but somewhere there are “correct women” who easily and simply accept the termination of a love relationship, without nerves and tears.

There are no “correct” and strong ones - the human psyche is arranged in such a way that breaking up relationships is difficult for everyone.

And this also applies to parting at an early, romantic stage, and after a long time - at the stage of a strong habit to a partner.

Relationships are literally a drug that is difficult to quit: hormones released during falling in love - endorphin, dopamine, etc. can be called a narcotic substance. If it suddenly turns out that their production in the previous quantities is no longer relevant, then the person really, in some sense, experiences a syndrome of failure, “breaking”. This, in principle, explains all the classic situations when “I understand with my mind that the former is an asshole, but it’s bad, girls, at least run back to him!”...

In general, the stages of separation in women and men occur in the same way, and the difference in behavior is usually explained not by gender differences in psychology, but simply by human habits. Someone “eats” stress, someone gets drunk, someone goes headlong into work, but the emotions are the same ...

Stage 1: disagreement with reality, denial

After a love relationship, it is generally difficult for a person to believe that everything is really in the past. It seems that now he / she will change his mind and return, that it will be possible to start from scratch, etc. If you, and not your partner, were the initiator of the breakup, then at this stage of the breakup you may want to forgive, close your eyes to all the reasons why you left, call the ex-man back ...

What to do?

Mind to realize that everything is really in the past. Do whatever it takes to avoid the temptation to hook up with an ex—moving away, busying yourself with work, taking on a creative project, devoting a lot of time to your kids and/or friends, etc. After some time (weeks or months), the acceptance of the fact of separation will occur.

Stage 2: resentment and anger

After the realization of the completed break has come, a new wave of resentment against the former may begin to grow: “Here’s an artiodactyl, he deliberately left me, he is this and that”, etc.

Sometimes it does without anger - and this is a constructive way.

What to do? If a feeling of strong resentment has befallen you, then ... experience this emotion. It’s better to be offended and want a new bright life without this person than to endlessly look for excuses and painfully regret that you couldn’t save your couple.

Stage 3: bargaining attempts

If at the stage of anger there is no clear desire to stop suffering and live life to the fullest, then the stage of parting may come, when a woman tries to bargain with herself - how to part in such a way as to leave herself at least a little hope of returning or to provide an illusory respite to the final break.

For example, "I will communicate with him, because we have, and he must see that mom and dad do not quarrel, but are friends." Or “today, for the last, last time, I will spend the evening with my ex and vino, but then no, no, I’ll start making new acquaintances!”.

What to do? One of two things - either no “last rhymes”, or without too much romance and hopes, transfer love relationships into purely business ones (for example, if you really need to contact on the upbringing of a common child).

Stage 4: despair, depression

It comes when a person realizes that bargaining with himself and / or a former partner failed, and the separation did take place. The psychology of depressive states is a complicated matter, but if we are not talking about chronic, then it is important to understand that sadness and sadness will inevitably pass - this happens to both women and men!

What to do? Hurry up to the next stage!

Stage 5: Final acceptance of the breakup and aspiration for a new life

This is when you realize that the former is, of course, artiodactyl, but there are so many nice guys around! And in general, there is a new collection in your favorite store, a girlfriend invites you to go dancing on a pole, and an interesting man wrote in Tinder ...

What to do? A new hairstyle and the purchase of new clothes in the wardrobe!