Dealing with change

What you have now is an unpleasant blob of reality you have to make into a new functioning life. The average, NORMAL person's reaction to this involves some form of depression. After all it's the normal reaction to any loss. Ever lose your car keys?

First stage (Denial) "I know they're somewhere--honey, where did you put my keys???" Look frantically all over in the same places.
Second stage (Bargaining) "Honey, if you help me find the keys, I'll take you out to dinner...?"
Third stage (Anger) "How could I be so stupid!! Why do I always do this when I'm late?!? Blast that cat!"
Fourth stage (Despair) "No! I can't miss my meeting with the boss! He'll kill me!"
Fifth stage (Acceptance) "I have to call a cab."

Depression is the normal reaction to losing anything. It is a series of stages that you will pass through at least once on the way to forming a new life. You were built to handle them, but they are not fun. The only good part about them is that you a NOT alone. Let's hear from others who are with you.

The depression that comes with grief is looks different from the depression of losing your job, but the stages are the same:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Despair
• Acceptance

I happen to be one who believes you're not on your own through this process. God is with you, and he will give you strength and hope as you travel to the new life on the other side of your crisis. I know, because he helped me. He gave me hope when I was alone and powerless on the battlefields of my life. I know he can help you.