Grief
Grief is something we all go through—it's just part of being human. Whether it's losing someone close, a friend, or a cherished pet, grief hits everyone differently. There's no rulebook saying when grief starts or when it'll fade away. For some, the clouds lift in just a few days, but for others, it feels like the sun may never fully shine again. It's a journey unique to each person.
When to Seek Help
Not everyone needs grief therapy, and that's totally okay. Some folks navigate their losses without keeping it all inside. Plus, every loss hits different. Losing a cousin might not faze someone much, but saying goodbye to a furry family member can feel like a never-ending heartache.
Grief doesn't follow a script—it can hit you out of the blue. Here are some things you might notice when grief comes knocking:
Crying all the time
Feeling kind of numb or shocked
Pulling away from others
Carrying around guilt
Dealing with fears and anxieties
Battling with depression
Maybe leaning on substances a bit more
Losing interest in things you used to love
These feelings and behaviors might ease up on their own for some, while others might find themselves stuck in a grief-fueled struggle. There's no rulebook for grief. If you're feeling lost or can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, maybe searching for "grief counselors near me" could be the next step for you.
The five stages of grief are like navigating through a storm of emotions, each wave hitting in its own time and way. First, there's denial – it's that initial shock, the refusal to believe. Then comes anger, a storm within, directed at the world or even at the one we've lost. Bargaining follows, a desperate attempt to rewrite the reality we're facing. Depression is a heavy rain, soaking us in sadness and reflection. Finally, acceptance, the calm after the storm, where we start to find peace in moving forward, carrying the echoes of the journey through grief. It's a messy, nonlinear process, unique to each person, but somehow, we all find our way through the storm.
