“Grief is just love with no place to go.”
Roll that quote around in your head and sit with it for a moment. It really is quite profound. (That quote is attributed to author Jamie Anderson, by the way). Feeling grief, loss and broken-hearted are a normal part of the human experience. But loss is very personal since you’re the only one who knows what’s truly significant to you.
Some common reasons to feel grief include:
Loss of a friend
Death of a partner
Serious illness of a loved one
Breakups
Leaving home
Sudden change in your health
Changing jobs
Moving
Graduations
Physical changes
Infertility
Financial changes
No matter the reason, know that your feelings are valid. And it’s okay to feel what you are feeling. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to cope because grief is multifaceted and complex.
Everyone grieves differently
Everyone processes and manages bereavement differently. Studies show that individuals who can make meaning of their loss are more resilient and experience more growth than those who struggle to make sense of the loss.
According to Dr. Nicole Bryant, LCSW, Synchronous Health Specialist, “It’s okay to not be okay. Your grieving process is personal and unique to you, and you deserve to heal in a way that allows you to feel whole again.”
Ways to cope
There are many helpful activities, exercises and resources you can use during your healing process. For example, you can:
Journal and practice mindfulness – These private tools can help you process your loss.
Stay connected with others – Don’t grieve alone. Support systems can help ensure you’re taking care of yourself during this time.
Give yourself time, space and permission to grieve – You want to be able to remember what you have lost. Set realistic goals for yourself and focus on one thing at a time.
Allow yourself to feel both grief and joy – Celebrating brief moments of joy doesn’t dishonor your loss.
Dr. Bryant says if you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to seek the help of a qualified mental health professional. You can connect with a specialist through the Connect with Karla®️ program by visiting sync.health/mnps or calling 615-748-0625.
