Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross wrote a book on the sequential stages of grief which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. They are commonly referred to as the "grief cycle. "
Although she was referring to stages of physical death, it seems the same feelings apply to emotional and/or spiritual deaths as well. My experience has been that if I fully go though a depression all of these feelings are processed. However, it is hard...very hard...the more common tendency is for people to get stuck in denial, anger, or bargaining...maybe hit depression, not want to feel it, and go back to denial and anger before they ever get to the glorious stage of "re-birth", and acceptance. Depression does have a purpose. It often occurs during stages of letting go, change, and growth. So here's my plea...don't run from depression, but also don't get stuck in it. Find its' purpose, knowledge and growth, and move through it. Get support if you need it, and I promise you will find deeper peace, more meaning, and blissful understanding on the other side.
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