This blog navigates…
Grief Is Not Just About Losing Someone
Everyone experiences grief differently, but understanding the process can help you navigate it with more compassion for yourself.
Grief is often associated with the death of a loved one, but it can also arise from:
The end of a relationship.
Losing a job or career identity.
The loss of a home or sense of security.
A major life transition that shifts your sense of self.
Grief isn’t just about loss – it’s about adjusting to life without something (or someone) that mattered deeply.
The 5 Stages of Grief (And Why They Aren’t Linear)
Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the five stages of grief, but grief isn’t a straight road – it’s more like waves, coming and going in different intensities.
Denial: “This isn’t happening.”
The initial shock can make grief feel surreal.
You might feel emotionally numb or disconnected.
Denial is your brain’s way of protecting you from overwhelming pain.
Anger: “Why is this happening to me?”
You might feel anger at yourself, others, or even the person you lost.
This can be a way of making sense of the pain.
Anger isn’t “bad” – it’s a natural response to feeling powerless.
Bargaining: “If only I had done something differently…”
You may dwell on “what ifs” or “if only” scenarios.
This stage often involves guilt and wishing for a different outcome.
Depression: “This hurts so much.”
Deep sadness, isolation, and loss of motivation can set in.
Grief can affect sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
It’s important to seek support if these feelings become overwhelming.
Acceptance: “I’m learning to live with this.”
Acceptance doesn’t mean “getting over it.”
It means integrating the loss into your life and finding ways to move forward.
You don’t move through these stages in order – grief is unpredictable, and that’s okay.
Common Myths About Grief
“You should be over it by now.”
Grief has no timeline. Some wounds take longer to heal than others.
“You have to be strong for others.”
Suppressing grief doesn’t make it go away – it can make healing harder.
“If you’re still sad, you’re not moving on.”
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting – it means learning to carry the love and memories with you.
Ways to Cope with Grief
Allow yourself to feel – Grief is painful, but avoiding emotions can prolong suffering.
Seek support – Talking to friends, family, or a counsellor can make a difference.
Take care of your body – Grief is physically exhausting; rest, eat well, and move when you can.
Express your grief – Writing, art, or rituals can help process emotions.
Give yourself grace – There is no “right” way to grieve. Healing takes time.
It’s okay to grieve in your own way, at your own pace.
When to Seek Professional Help
Grief is natural, but sometimes it becomes complicated grief, making it difficult to function.
Persistent sadness that doesn’t ease over time.
Withdrawing from life, relationships, or responsibilities.
Using alcohol, substances, or avoidance to numb the pain.
Feeling hopeless or like life no longer has meaning.
Grief counselling can provide a safe space to process loss and find ways to move forward. You don’t have to do this alone.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This
Grief is one of the hardest human experiences, but healing is possible.
It’s okay to miss them.
It’s okay to cry.
It’s okay to still feel moments of sadness, even years later.
But you are allowed to heal. You are allowed to find joy again, and when you’re ready, you will.
If you need support navigating grief, get in touch, because healing doesn’t mean forgetting – it means learning to carry love forward.
