Grief support groups are often recommended for people grieving recent or past losses. These groups offer compassionate spaces to share your feelings with other like-minded individuals. Every group dynamic is inherently unique. If you're struggling with feeling lost or alone, group support can help. Connect With Other Grieving People Although grief is a universal experience, many people feel isolated and...[ read more ]
The death of an ex-spouse can be a complex experience. Your feelings might confuse you, and they rarely seem as straightforward or obvious as they would be if you two had still been married. It's important to know that divorce doesn't necessarily eradicate the grieving process. Even if you parted ways long ago, it's normal to feel sad, confused, and...[ read more ]
Of all the emotions you might experience after a loss, feeling relieved when someone dies may be one of the most unsettling. We generally associate grief with sadness, guilt, and fear. There's a sense of longing for what you had, and you might feel as if life will never return to normal. But for all that's said about those complex...[ read more ]
Every relationship you have in this world is entirely unique and irreplaceable. Therefore, each grieving process also represents a one-of-a-kind experience. How you cope with loss depends on so many conditions, and the way you manage grief can change throughout your lifespan. It's a misconception that grief naturally gets better in a chronological fashion. Few processes in life are ever...[ read more ]
You've always been known for your resilience. When others need emotional support, you're there carrying all the weight of their problems. At times, it seems like you have a strength that other human beings lack. And when chaos arises, you're able to remain calm and collected. Being the strong one has its benefits. It's rooted in basic survival. In order...[ read more ]
Grief therapy refers to a specific kind of therapy intended to help you cope with a loss. While grief symptoms are not inherently problematic (they are an essential part of being human), they can certainly feel heavy and overwhelming. Sometimes, people don't know how to manage their grief- or it feels larger than life- which can perpetuate a deeper level...[ read more ]
Grief has a way of turning everything in life inside-out and upside-down. It is quite unlike any other experience we have in this lifetime, and each episode of grief is unique and inherently its own. In addition to feeling sad, angry, or confused after experiencing a loss, you may find that your grief feels emotionally or physically exhaustive. Even staying...[ read more ]
Many people experience guilt when grieving. Sometimes feeling guilty has positive benefits, especially if it motivates you to change problematic behaviors. But sometimes the guilt lies in holding yourself overly responsible for things that are out of your control. This type of guilt can quickly become burdensome, and it may stunt the healing process. Understanding Guilt During Grief Guilt is...[ read more ]
Most people understand the depression, anger, or guilt that emerges after a loss. These are some of the hallmark symptoms characterized by grief. But there are fewer conversations about the anxiety that sometimes arises within this vulnerable process. Grief-induced anxiety can be heavy and complicated, and it's often misunderstood. It can take the form of physical symptoms like insomnia, panic...[ read more ]
What Is Disenfranchised Grief and How Can You Cope? Disenfranchised grief refers to a specific type of grief that doesn't feel safe or appropriate to publicly acknowledge. The added burden of this emotional pain can complicate an already challenging grieving process, and it can make people feel even more alone with their feelings. Examples of Disenfranchised Grief If you feel...[ read more ]