Navigating the Storm: Understanding Loss and the Journey of Grief

Loss is a part of life that brings many different feelings and experiences. It's not just about losing someone to death; it can also be about the end of a relationship, losing a job, or moving away from loved ones. Understanding the feelings that come with loss and how people deal with them can help us cope better.

Feeling Sad After Loss

When we lose something or someone important to us, we might feel:

Shocked and Confused: At first, it's hard to believe what's happened. We might feel like we're in a daze.

Sad and Lonely: We might feel really down and like there's a hole in our life where that person or thing used to be.

Angry or Guilty: Sometimes we get mad at ourselves or others, or we feel bad about things we wish we'd done differently.

Worried and Scared: We might feel anxious about what will happen next or afraid of losing more things we care about.

Going Through the Grieving Process

People often discuss the different stages of grief, such as denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. These stages serve as guideposts along the path of grieving, helping us recognise common emotions that arise after a loss. However, it's important to understand that each person's experience of grief is distinct. While some individuals may progress through these stages in a clear sequence, others may find their emotions more mixed or overlapping. Furthermore, there are those who may not encounter certain emotions at all, as grief unfolds uniquely for each individual. Some may dwell longer in one stage, while others may swiftly transition through them. Recognising this diversity allows us to appreciate the multifaceted nature of grief and offer support tailored to each person's journey.

Everyone's Journey Is Different

How long it takes to feel better after a loss is different for everyone. Some things that can make a difference include:

How Close You Were: If you were really close to the person or thing you lost, it might take longer to feel better.

How You Cope: People cope with loss in different ways. Some talk about their feelings, while others like to spend time alone.

What Your Culture Says: Different cultures have different traditions and ideas about how to deal with loss.

Finding Comfort and Meaning

During this challenging period, seeking solace from trusted confidants, family, or professional counsellors can provide invaluable support. Openly discussing feelings fosters validation and connection, mitigating feelings of isolation.

For those finding solace in spirituality, prayer and communal rituals offer comfort and resilience. Engaging in spiritual practices or connecting with religious communities can infuse meaning and purpose into the grieving process.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to feel after a loss. Give yourself time to heal, and know that it's okay to ask for help when you need it. While the pain might not go away completely, with time and kindness to yourself, you can find new ways to move forward.

SFAwan
Associate Psychologist
MPhil - Clinical Psychology