Grief & Loss
Grief and loss aren’t light-hearted topics. Grief stems from a loss that might be a person, a relationship, a dream, or even a part of your identity. Grief can bring on a wide range of emotions, including fear, anger, guilt, confusion, and deep, deep sadness.
The process of adjusting to a loss varies dramatically from person to person. Culture, personal beliefs, past trauma, the nature of the relationship, and the type of loss all shape how we process and carry grief. Some people feel numb. Others cry at the drop of a hat. Some continue their daily lives while carrying quiet, unspoken or unseen sorrow. Others find it hard to get out of bed.
Grief Doesn’t Just Follow Death
While the death of a loved one is a common source of grief, it isn’t the only one. We grieve many kinds of loss. This can include the loss of:
A relationship, marriage, or friendship
A job, career path, or financial security
A pet or animal companion
A home or community
One’s health, fertility, or youth
A long-held dream or vision for the future
A sense of identity or stability after major life changes
Even when a loss doesn’t look “serious” to others, it can feel life-altering internally. This is why grief can feel so misunderstood or even invisible.
Common Symptoms of Grief
Grief affects the whole person; physically, emotionally, and socially. You may experience:
Physical symptoms:
Crying or sighing
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Fatigue or weakness
Nausea or tightness in the chest
Emotional symptoms:
Waves of sadness or despair
Anxiety, anger, guilt, or regret
Emotional numbness
Conflicting emotions, like relief and sorrow at the same time
Social symptoms:
Withdrawal from relationships
Feeling disconnected or detached
Behaviors that feel out of character
Difficulty focusing or making decisions
Many people describe grief as something that comes in waves. There may be moments where life feels “back to normal,” followed by a sudden resurgence of pain or longing. It can be confusing to swing between these emotional states. All of this is a natural part of the grieving process.
Understanding Different Types of Grief
There is not one way to grieve. Here are a few ways grief might show up:
Anticipatory grief: Grieving begins before the loss, such as when a loved one is terminally ill.
Delayed grief: Emotional responses are postponed and surface long after the event.
Inhibited grief: Emotions are repressed and may instead show up as physical symptoms.
Cumulative grief: Multiple losses occur close together, making grief feel overwhelming.
Collective grief: Shared grief over societal tragedies, disasters, or major global events.
While all grief is complex, sometimes it can become so persistent and intense that it interferes with your ability to function. This is often referred to as complicated grief or prolonged grief. You might feel stuck, unable to move forward, or disconnected from life in a way that feels hard to explain.
This may happen after sudden or traumatic losses, or when there is no closure. It can also show up if you feel that your grief isn’t seen or validated. such as grieving a pet, a former partner, or someone you had a complicated relationship with.
If a year or more has passed and you still feel emotionally paralyzed, it may be time to seek support.
Healing Takes Time And Support
Grieving is not something to "get over." It's a process that reshapes how we live, love, and remember. There’s no perfect timeline. The goal is not to erase the pain, but to find ways to carry it while still feeling connected to your life and future.
Grief counseling can help you:
Understand and name your feelings
Make space for all the emotions, even the conflicting ones
Learn how to move through grief without numbing or shutting down
Find new meaning or connection in your life
Develop rituals or practices to honor who or what you have loss
You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone
If you’re experiencing grief that feels overwhelming, confusing, or isolating, you are not alone. Therapy can help you make sense of what you're feeling and support you in moving through it in your own time, at your own pace.
Please reach out today for a free consultation to see if grief and loss therapy may be right for you.