Navigating Waves of Grief

Hey there! In this blog, we’re diving into a topic that’s been popping up a lot lately—grief. It's something everyone goes through, but each person's experience with it is different. We're exploring the ups and downs of grief and how it sneaks into different parts of our lives.

Spotting Grief in Unexpected Places

Grief isn't just about losing someone close. It can show up in the strangest places. Whether it’s the end of the school year, changes in family roles, or closing a major chapter in life, grief can creep in. We’ve noticed it in addiction recovery, personal growth, and old traumas. You might find yourself dealing with feelings you thought you had already worked through.

The Many Faces of Grief

Grief isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It might look like sadness, denial, or even anger. For many, it's a whirlwind of emotions that doesn’t follow a straight line. It can also appear in less obvious situations like life changes or leaving behind an old way of living. Someone recovering from addiction might miss parts of their past, even if moving forward is healthier.

The Stages of Grief

Understanding the stages of grief can help us navigate our emotions. The process often begins with denial, a defense mechanism that numbs the initial shock. This is followed by anger, where frustration can be directed toward oneself, others, or the situation. Bargaining often comes next, with attempts to regain control or make deals to change the outcome. Depression might set in as the reality of the loss becomes undeniable, leading to deep sadness. Finally, acceptance allows for a sense of peace, acknowledging the new reality without forgetting the past. It's important to note that these stages aren't linear and can occur in any order, sometimes repeating or overlapping.

The Unique Challenges of Pet Grief

Losing a pet can be really tough. Pets become part of the family, but society often downplays this loss. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or even a ferret like my late Gus, the connection with a pet is deep. When Gus passed, I was reminded of the unique challenges that come with making tough decisions for our pets. Grief can hit you again unexpectedly, like a year later when memories pop up on social media.

Sitting with Grief

One of the hardest, yet most rewarding parts of grief is learning to just be with it. It’s natural to want to run from the discomfort by staying busy, but acknowledging your feelings can be healing. Mindfulness practices help us notice these emotions without judgment, slowly

building our resilience.

The Importance of Support

Grief can feel lonely, especially when there are societal expectations about how long you should grieve or what losses are valid. In our therapy spaces, we make sure all forms of grief are recognized. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, a job, or losing a beloved pet, your feelings matter and deserve attention.

Moving Forward

As we wrap up this blog, we invite you to check in with your own feelings. You might not be ready to fully face them, and that’s okay. Remember, support is there when you’re ready to explore these emotions. Until next time, take care and know you’re not alone on this journey. Catch you next time!