I think you are absolutely right about how much this is like (or, in fact, is) a process of grieving.
Some years ago I went through a double bereavement within a few weeks of close family members. At the time I thought nothing worse could ever happen, in terms of personal anguish. But many aspects of my current sitch have been as, or sometimes even more, painful.
Understanding the grieving process can be very helpul in coping with these stresses.
