The "Grieving Process" Is Normal
Research has shown that most people go through major life changes in stages. These stages
are present in a wide variety of major life traumas:
-
Denial: "This is not really happening," or "This is not happening to me."
-
Anger: Directed either at yourself or at others.
-
Depression: Often accompanied by a sense of helplessness.
-
Acceptance: The turning point, when you begin to accept your
situation.
-
Resolution: Begin to take the steps necessary to return to a normal
state.
Proceeding through each step is normal, and the process should not be rushed. Often
however, people may progress out of a stage and then drop back into it. If uncontrolled, the
bouncing back and forth between stages can continue for a long time. As you make your
transition to civilian life, look for these stages in yourself and acknowledge your movements from
one step to the next.
