1. 5 Stages of a Break up by Jennine Estes, MFT #47653

2. So You’re going through a breakup? That sucks! This must be really hard for you! Don’t worry, I am here to help you get through this. The first step is knowing what to expect. Here are the 5 stages that you may experience...

3. BUT WAIT!!! The first thing you should know is that these stages don’t have to happen in order. (read the full article here: http://estestherapy.com/stages-of-a-breakup/)http://estestherapy.com/stages-of-a-breakup/

4. Stage #1: Denial It is common to numb out or emotionally distance yourself from the painful blow of a breakup. -Example: avoiding sensitive conversations or keeping busy Thats okay! Denial allows you to take an emotional rest so you can come back to it with more energy and perspective.

5. Stage #2: Anger Anger is just your brains way of telling you that you feel wronged in some way. -Let yourself be upset!!! -Be safe about it - use tactics such as: writing out your feelings, punching a pillow, discuss emotions with a close friend

6. Stage #3: Bargaining I.“What if’s” are the building blocks of the bargaining stage. II.You’re going to tell yourself that there are things that you will or will not do in future relationships III.You might even say that you are done with relationships completely! IV.Negotiating a new normal is important when you go through a loss.

7. Stage #4: Depression I.This is where it gets Hard. Here you become sad and have reached a point you were trying to avoid. I.What Might You Experience? -Lose sleep, motivation, and concentration. -You will begin to physically show what you are feeling. Read more about the depression phase in the article 5 Stages of a Breakup5 Stages of a Breakup

8. Stage #5: Acceptance I.Things are finally starting to calm down. I.You realize that the pain did not get the best of you. It is finally time to start moving forward and growing within yourself.

9. Remember….. These stages do not go in order. You may jump around from Depression to Anger and then back to Depression.

10. So what now? Read more about this article here. -http://estestherapy.com/stages-of-a-breakup/http://estestherapy.com/stages-of-a-breakup/ Looking for therapy in San Diego? -Visit http://estestherapy.com/ for more information.http://estestherapy.com/ Remember, you are not in this alone!