Catastrophic Events - Part 1: INTRODUCTION - Which phase of the trauma reaction are you in?

Webster defines "catastrophe" as: "A terrible and sudden disaster".

A catastrophe could be one of the following:
- you were just diagnosed with an incurable disease, like cancer, and the doctor gave you weeks or months at best to live
- you were diagnosed with a chronic disease, and have to make major shifts in your life in order to deal with the pain, discomfort and slowly degenerating body and mind functions
- a heart attack put a sudden stop to, or at least dampened your thriving business
- a loved one died
- you were unexpectedly served with divorce papers
- you were unexpectedly fired
- a car accident crippled you and/or your car
- you suffered a major loss from terrorism... tsunami... earthquake... hurricane... fire...

Catastrophe comes from a greek root meaning "reversal". A reversal implies a change of direction.

A catastrophe initiates cycles of changes, in which we find three phases:

Phase 1: The LOSS cycle
Phase 2: The WILDERNESS cycle
Phase 3: The TRANSFORMATION cycle

The LOSS cycle starts with a death: death of a project, of a lifestyle, of a loved one, of an ideal, of a belief, of a dream, etc... It is characterized by a state of shock, which numbs part of our senses, an important survival mechanism. It is followed by a period of denial and sadness. The LOSS cycle ends with acceptance.

The WILDERNESS cycle starts with fear and anger. Chaos, confusion and anxiety are found there. We literally "turn in circles" trying to define what has happened to us. We search for meaning. We explore, we change our focus, our attitude. Our perspective broadens. We even start to find some degree of appreciation. The WILDERNESS cycle ends with a new vision.

The TRANSFORMATION cycle starts with hope. We have that new vision, we find new opportunities. We grow impatient: "What will happen?", "How will I prepare?" We may find some resistance to act, yet are ready to create a new future. We plan it, we move toward it. The TRANSFORMATION cycle ends with a new beginning.

In which phase of the cycle do you find yourself?

In upcoming posts, we will study empowering strategies for each phase.