We receive so many messages about how we're supposed to talk about and process grief. On the one hand, there's often a societal expectation to acknowledge grief, stay strong, and resume back to normal life quickly. On the other hand, there's more discussion about the benefits of really processing emotions and being present with the tsunami of feelings that grief...[ read more ]
Anger is a natural emotion that is often misunderstood and gets a bad reputation. But the death of a loved one can trigger many intense emotions, including anger. You might be angry about the circumstances of the loss, unresolved tension that existed between you and the other person, or how other people are coping with the loss. Keep in mind...[ read more ]
It's normal to feel numb after a loss. Numbness is a complicated experience that can sometimes be difficult to articulate. It often coincides with a sense of detachment and disconnection. You may feel empty inside, and it can seem like you're going through the motions without actually experiencing any of your real emotions. Physically, numbness sometimes refers to a reduction...[ read more ]
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 ]