The loss of a loved one, whether a grandparent, parent, child, sibling, friend or another close to you, can be pretty painful and heart-wrenching. Initial shock and disbelief are often quickly replaced by feelings of sorrow, grief, confusion and even anger. These emotional responses are pretty normal…uncomfortable, yet expected.

Can you imagine getting close to another person, sharing special times, stories, events and situations, some very intimate and challenging and others exciting, joyful and exhilarating… then suddenly they are gone, and you felt normal, unaffected? That would be strange, wouldn’t it?  

Significant loss is supposed to impact us, change us and even throw us off our regular routines—the more significant the love, the greater the loss, the more significant the impact. In ancient times, those who lost a loved one may displayed their grief by tearing their clothes, covering themselves in ashes and mourning for months and even years.

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross wrote two of the best books to help people grieving the loss of a loved one; “On Death & Dying” and “On Grief & Grieving.” These fine works help those grieving with the journey find new meaning, restore faith, and adjust to a life without their special loved ones.

Sometimes the struggle after a loss can seem simply too much to handle, too hard to face on your own and maybe even too difficult for surviving family and friends to help you with. This is not a flaw or weakness. It may simply be the loss is so significant that extra assistance and support are required.

If you should find the loss of a loved one is just too much, fueling overwhelming emotions (e.g. excessive crying and anger) and increasingly troubling behaviours, please reach out and get the support available. You may even contact us today.

Experiencing a loss is one of the most difficult transitions we will face. Well-meaning friends urging us to work through, get over or move on may not be providing the support we need. In this video, we look at some helpful tips to support you or your loved ones through grief.

Resource Recommendation: The Mourner’s Bill of Rights