Is Grief Only Associated With Death?

The word grief is often associated with death. While it’s normal and natural to grieve the loss of a loved one, grief is not always exclusive to death. Grief is also about loss, and loss comes in many different forms.

Different forms of grief…

Grieving a death

Grieving the unknown

Grieving normalcy

Grieving a life change

Grief is a normal and healthy reaction to loss. There is a misconception that grief must be reserved for death. In reality, it’s possible to experience grief over the loss or change of something, anything.

It’s okay to grieve the unknown, the loss of normalcy and a life change. We grief when our lives are uprooted in situations, such as a job loss or loss of a relationship. When change occurs, such as retirement or an unexpected move it’s normal to grieve. Any loss we experience – big or small – is a cause for grief.

Grieving is a profoundly personal experience. Allow yourself to feel. We can’t heal what we don’t feel. Honor your pain and what has been lost. Accept that your grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions. Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the grieving process to naturally unfold.