Bereavement: Finding Your Way Through Loss

Losing someone close shakes up your world in ways that are hard to describe. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or even a pet, bereavement—basically the experience of grief after loss—is a tough journey. If you’re going through it, know you’re not alone, and there are things to help you make sense of your feelings and heal.

What Happens During Bereavement?

When someone dies, your emotions often feel like a rollercoaster. You might feel numb, angry, sad, or even guilty. These reactions are normal, and they don’t happen in a neat order. Everyone’s experience is different, so don’t pressure yourself to 'get over it' quickly. Some days are better, others harder—that’s totally okay.

It helps to understand that grief affects you not just emotionally, but physically too. You may feel tired, have trouble sleeping, or lose your appetite. That’s your body responding to the emotional strain. Paying attention to self-care like rest, good food, and gentle activity can make a big difference.

How to Cope and Start Healing

One of the hardest parts of bereavement is feeling isolated. Talking to others—whether friends, family, or support groups—can create a space to share your feelings and get comfort. Sometimes just saying out loud what you’re going through lifts a weight from your shoulders.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Counselors trained in grief can offer tools to manage overwhelming emotions. If professional help feels right, look for someone who understands bereavement and can guide you without judgment.

Another useful step is to find ways to honor the person you lost. This could be through creating a small memorial, planting a tree, or simply setting some quiet time to remember. These acts can help keep your connection alive while helping you move forward.

Above all, remember healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to live with the loss while finding space again for joy and hope. It’s a personal process with ups and downs, but with support, patience, and kindness to yourself, it’s possible to find peace after loss.