Losses are hard on everyone. Losing someone you love can change the way you act, think, or feel about certain things. The article, “The Impact of Death on our Everyday Lives” by Robert Firestone, explains what people who experience great losses can go through. Individuals who experience this trauma can have defensive reactions which can be seen in three distinct levels: an individual level, an interpersonal level, and a societal level.

First, when someone goes through something on and individual level, they tend to withdrawal into an inward lifestyle, meaning that they become more self-nurturing and self-protective. This is the most sensitive stage out of all three levels because this is a time where people tend to start branching out and change as an individual.

Second, when an individual goes through something on an interpersonal level, they tend to retreat from loved ones and avoid conflict with others. This can cause problems within relationships because people can start acting as if they are a completely different person which might scare people away.

Lastly, when an individual goes through something at the societal level, they tend to give up their individuality and conform to the norm. Their beliefs change, and they want to look, believe, and act the same as everyone around them.