Living with grief

If you are wondering how to cope with feelings of grief after a loss,  you are not alone.

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Loss and the subsequent process of grief are an inevitable part of the human experience. Loss can be experienced in many forms; for example, the loss of a loved one, the loss of physical or mental functions, the loss of a job, the loss of a safe space, or the loss of identity. Additionally, grief can be triggered not only by events in your own life, but also by events in the lives of family or friends.

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Grief is often seen as the other side of love because it is a natural and intense emotional response to the loss of someone or something that was loved and valued. The depth of the grief felt is often proportional to the depth of the love experienced. The love and attachment a person had for the person or thing that has been lost, evoke feelings of sadness, emptiness, and pain, leading to the experience of grief. When we grieve, we remember the love and connection we felt towards that which we lost. Grief can express itself in different ways; it may cause you to feel sad, numb, or angry, and it may even turn your life upside down.

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Acknowledging and allowing a loss to sink in can be intense and experiencing the feelings associated with grief can be overwhelming and scary at times. Additionally, many people still find grief a difficult and uncomfortable topic to discuss. Those experiencing grief might try to avoid the accompanying emotions by keeping their feelings to themselves, and those surrounding a grieving friend or family member might find it difficult to find the right words to say. However, if not addressed, grief can linger and creep up on you when you least expect it. 

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When you're feeling stuck in your grief, and you are looking for ways to cope with grief, a grief coach can facilitate a safe space for you to talk about your loss. They can support you by providing you with the right tools to navigate your feelings and help you to move forward.