Grief is one of the most intense experiences that life throws at us, and it has a way of bringing us down to earth through unexpected events. While grief affects everyone, everyone experiences it differently. It creeps into our daily routines silently, frequently altering our perspective of the world, our relationships with others, and, above all, our self-perception. To the average individual, sorrow might seem like carrying an unseen burden on one’s chest that others may not always see or comprehend. While some individuals cry in public, others isolate themselves, immerse themselves in work or diversions, and yet others appear to float through their sorrow silently.
Every case of grieving is different and excruciatingly unique; there is no universal method. In ways that we frequently don’t recognize until we are far into the trenches of loss, mental health and sorrow are closely related. The loss of a loved one, be it a parent, spouse, child, or friend, not only leaves a void in the family but also shakes your feeling of security, belonging, and even your sense of purpose. The routines that once brought you comfort now seem empty. Simple things like getting up, going to work, having a meal, or chatting can seem like huge chores. Grief can send some people into a state of depression, while for others, it brings on anxiety. It causes the foundation of our mental health to tremble because it compels us to face the fragility of life, the permanence of loss, and the unpleasant truth that recovery is not a straight line. You can have one day where you feel fine, maybe even smile, and the next you’re overwhelmed by memories that make you cry without warning.
Time and expectations are not respected by sorrow. It lingers in the calm times, in anniversaries, scents, places, and songs. It has an impact on our connections with the individuals who are still with us; some friendships become closer through shared pain, while others wane because people are unsure of what to say or how to behave. In many cases, sadness causes mental health to silently deteriorate because society expects us to immediately move on, to “be strong,” to “find closure,” as if closing the chapter on someone we loved is as easy as turning a page. However, for many individuals, closure is a fallacy. Instead, we learn to bear our sadness along with our joy, love, and future. We learn to accept the sorrow without allowing it to define who we are entirely. Therapy, faith, writing, community, or just time can help some people heal. The key is to realize that sadness is not something to overcome; rather, it is something to live with and respect since it reflects the intensity of our affection. In the challenging process of recovery, mental health experts remind us that it’s acceptable to feel broken for a time, seek assistance, establish boundaries, and extend ourselves grace. Life will continue to march forward, as will we, maybe at a slower pace, or in a different direction, but still moving ahead, bringing bits of those we lost inside us, and influencing how we see the world and how we care for those who are still with us.
This is a piece for the loved ones we lost as a Family. We are together in this!
Post Disclaimer
Utilizing my own personal experiences as well as my background as a Registered Nurse, I share my enthusiasm for travel and health on this blog. Though I love what I do and sometimes talk about tactics for modest health improvement, keep in mind that the material provided might not be exact. The material herein is just for self-improvement. The content shared draws on my own experiences, thoughts, and stories. With this in mind, readers should consult their healthcare providers about any concerns they may experience.
Since each person has a different health path, what helps one person may not help another. Readers should consult their personal healthcare providers for personalized guidance based on their individual needs and circumstances. Rather than replacing the professional, my goal here is to inspire, enlighten, and start conversations that improve and make life more fulfilling relations between you and your medical staff.