There comes an unfortunate time in every Netflix junkie’s life when “just one more episode” is no longer an option. All of that sweet time and devotion snuggled up in your bed, when other obligations were clearly higher on your list of priorities. You never thought the end would really be the end. But now, the moment of truth has arrived. Your Netflix addiction truly shines when you notice the sequential stages of grief after completing yet another perfect series.
Stage 1: Denial and Isolation
Our first reaction as faithful viewers is to deny the reality of the situation. After days, weeks, even years of progress on a TV show, it’s harder than it looks to merely start fresh and move on. This is when our fight or flight instincts kick in, which decide how we will cope and defend our well-being. As that last episode slowly creeps up on us, our initial thought might be to avoid the show all together until we feel emotionally stable to get the job done. When the ordeal doesn’t go quite the way we planned, irrational emotions may start to boil up – which leads us to our next stage. No need to worry, this first wave of pain is only temporary.
Stage 2: Anger
As the actuality of the situation settles in, that the end is truly near, a few assumptions can be made. Some individuals are stronger than others, so easing into the stages slowly is somewhat graceful. But unfortunately if you’re like me, you’ll feel the emotions hit you all at one. Attempting to mask the pain is our first red flag for the second wave: anger. These pent up thoughts immediately redirect into fury, rage, and resentment. After finishing the perfect series, anger might be channeled into the source itself, family, friends, even pets. Becoming attached to our favorite characters is inevitable, so when their stories end, ours do too. Sometimes, the best medicine in this situation is to step out and take a walk with to let off some steam. Asking yourself how you can move forward from this unpleasant stage will get you one step closer towards reaching acceptance.
Stage 3: Bargaining
A steady balance in life is essential for the healthy individual. Once you hit rock bottom, once the well of tears has dried, you consider all of the things you could have done to prevent the situation from happening. The countless "If only" thoughts swarm your consciousness, making it extremely difficult to go on with your everyday life.
"If only I had waited a few more days for that finale."
"If only I had paced myself a little better on that fifth season."
These reflections consume our happiness, and in result, aim to strike where guilt and insecurity hit us the hardest. This stage may settle inside for a very long time.
Stage 4: Depression
After all of the mood swings that this emotional roller coaster carries, the mind and body reach a point of exhaustion. Suddenly, you may begin to believe that there is nothing left for you to contribute. The strenuous desire for bargaining resembles a ship that has clearly already sailed. At this time, nothing seems in any way interesting. All that feels comforting is simply hiding away in complete isolation. Admit it, here in this stage, it feels harder to move on than ever. Day after day is just a constant battle of wondering when the pain will fade.
Stage 5: Acceptance
The fifth and final wave of grief is none other than acceptance. In the midst of the madness and sadness, we seek a light at the end of the tunnel - a reason to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. The perpetual tugging inside of you loses its tough grip, allowing you to see the opportunities open for you since the very beginning. Try out a new show if you so desire. Even if you have convinced yourself that nothing can compare to what you have now finished, you might just be surprised.
It has been said time and time again that "when one door closes, another opens." Time has a way of healing all wounds, so allow yourself some time to mend that now empty space in your heart. Each day becomes just a bit easier to move forward, but eventually, the sun will shine again. The gears will begin to turn at full speed, and you'll realize that to feel okay is okay. Before your very eyes, an avenue of so many great shows, movies, and short films are at the touch of your fingertips. Take advantage of these new opportunities to continue binge-watching to your heart's content.
