Navigating Grief

Grief is a powerful, often overwhelming emotion that arises from loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one – including a beloved pet! – the end of a relationship, or a major life change. It touches every part of us: our thoughts, our bodies, our sense of time and place. And while it's a universal experience, grief looks different for everyone. 

What grief really feels like

 Grief feels different for everyone, but some common experiences surrounding grief are:

• A rollercoaster of emotions that can feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and exhausting

• An invisible, suffocating weight pressing down on your chest

• A soul-deep sorrow that feels like it will never end, washing over you in waves, sometimes without warning

• A sense of numbness, as if you’re walking through life in a fog

• An unexpected feeling of anger — at the situation, at yourself, or even at the person you’ve lost

• A sense of isolation and feeling like no one really understands what you’re going through

• A sense of regret, yearning, or even guilt — things left unsaid, actions you wish you had taken, or moments you wish you could have back

The reality check

Grief is a universal experience. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve, and there’s no timeline for how long the grieving process should last. 1 in 5 people will experience complicated or prolonged grief, where the sorrow lingers for months or even years, interfering with their ability to function in daily life.

Solutions that work

Grief can majorly impact your mental health. Not to mention, it can worsen pre-existing anxiety or depressive symptoms. The good news is that solutions exist. Here's what makes a difference:

1. Talking it out. Psychotherapy, or ‘talk therapy,’ is a standard form of treatment. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or more specialized treatment, like complicated grief therapy. Either modality can help guide you toward healing by exploring deep-seated emotions and thoughts related to your grief.

2. Life changes that matter. Prioritizing regular sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition can help keep your overall well-being in check if you’re struggling with your mental health. 

3. Lean on social support. Joining a grief support group can be incredibly beneficial. Connecting with others who are grieving can offer comfort, validation, and a safe space to share your pain without judgment. You may also consider reaching out to a therapist or opening up to loved ones to help process your grief.

4. Allow yourself to feel. The most important thing to remember is that grief doesn’t have a set timeline. Don’t feel that you need to rush your process or "move on" too quickly. Take each day as it comes, and give yourself permission to experience the emotions as they arise.  Sweeping your feelings under the rug will only prolong your healing. Feel everything, even when it’s hard.

Taking action

If grief is weighing you down, reach out to a mental health professional or join a support group to get the help you need. Navigating grief looks different for everyone, but with support, patience, and self-compassion, you can start healing.

Ready for change? Find grief support now.