The grief of loss can be life-changing. It’s universal and inevitable, yet a deeply personal experience that many struggle to cope with. Whether this grief stems from the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a life-altering event, grief can be damaging in every aspect—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Recovering from grief isn’t simply about moving past loss; it’s about learning to live alongside grief and finding meaning despite the pain. Although each person has their own unique way of grieving, this blog will discuss some general ways to approach grief and how to find meaning from loss.
Table of Contents
Approaching Grief
Grief doesn’t have a set timeline and can often arrive in fluctuating waves of pain. Emotions and feelings associated with loss can be triggered unexpectedly, lasting for varying durations and intensities. But the goal is not to erase grief, it’s to integrate it into your life in a way that honors both the pain of loss and the potential for healing.
- Allow Yourself To Feel – Suppressing your emotions can provide short term relief, but will ultimately prevent you from truly healing. Give yourself the time and space to feel and process the full range of emotions – anger, sadness, confusion, and everything in between. Grief is exhausting physically and emotionally, so treat yourself kindly and be patient. These feelings are all normal, and it can be one of the first signs of healing.
- Remember and Honor – Honoring the loss can provide a sense of closure and connection. Celebrate the presence and life of what has been lost with simple actions like lighting a candle or reminiscing on old memories. These acts help keep the memories of happiness alive and acknowledge the impact that they’ve had on you. But it’s also important to recognize the finality and accept the conclusion of the loss.
Finding Meaning
Despite the pain, grief has the potential for immense personal growth. Many people find meaning in their loss, transforming their pain into purpose. This doesn’t diminish the value of the loss, but instead adds depth and gives birth to a newfound resilience to navigate life’s struggles.
- Help Others – Supporting others can provide a sense of purpose and the opportunity for meaningful connections. Volunteering, teaching, or simply just sharing your story can give others the strength to deal with their own personal losses.
- Redefine Your Values – With loss always comes change. In the absence of something valuable, you must find a way to adapt to continue living your life. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you, and think about the impact that’s been left behind. Carrying on the legacy, values, and dreams of those that have been lost can be deeply inspiring.
Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to friends, family, and other trusted people in your lives for support. Contact us here at Relucent for the opportunity to work with a professional depression therapist who will help you manage your grief.
