Grief is not just for death
Although we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, this process can be triggered by many other losses in life. You may grieve for:
- The end of a romantic relationship or an important friendship.
- The loss of a job or a dream that did not come to fruition.
- Changes in your health or in your body.
- The loss of security or innocence.
- Leaving your home or moving to a new city.
What does grief feel like?
Grief is a very personal experience and can manifest differently in each person. The "feelings" of grief do not always follow a fixed order, and it is normal to feel them intermittently, or for some to feel more intense than others. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Emotional symptoms: Deep sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, feelings of emptiness or numbness.
- Physical symptoms: Fatigue, trouble sleeping or eating, chest pain, headaches, or stomach discomfort.
- Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, disbelief about the loss, or intrusive thoughts.
- Behavioral symptoms: Isolating yourself from others, crying frequently, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Grief is more complex when there is trauma
- For people who have experienced trauma, grief can be especially difficult and complex. They are not only mourning recent losses, but may also be dealing with grief for what the trauma took from them: the loss of childhood, security, trust, or innocence...
- A new loss can act as a trigger, reactivating unprocessed emotions from the trauma. Grief may feel more intense, confusing, or overwhelming because it intertwines with old wounds. Additionally, the loss of a loved one can be particularly painful if that person was a source of security, leaving survivors with a feeling of vulnerability that echoes the past.
