When I say the word “grief” what comes to mind? Chances are, a time of sadness after losing a loved one, friend, or family pet to death.
But death isn’t the only difficult life event that causes grief. There are other situations you may experience that can bring on the same types of feelings, without someone passing away.
While understanding this may not take grief away, it can help you know how to get help with the complicated emotions you’re feeling so you can find healing and recovery during grief a bit easier.
Grief and Loss Go Hand in Hand
When I was learning about grief, I realized that you can feel grief anytime you feel like something important to you has been lost. Some of the most difficult times you might experience grief (other than someone’s death) could include:
Losing a Job: After losing a job, it can feel like you have lost everything you’ve worked for, and that no one else you respect and admire will hire you. Many of the feelings you have after losing a job due to firing or layoff can be helped with grief support.
Fighting with Someone You Love: Fighting with a close friend or someone you’re in a relationship with is devastating, and it can be easy to feel like things will never be the same. The feeling that your life may be permanently changed for the worse is a big part of grieving, and it needs special care and attention.
Ending a Romantic Relationship: Breaking up is one of the hardest things we go through while we are learning what we want and need from relationships. Even if you broke up for good reasons that protected your heart and safety, you will still feel a sense of loss and emptiness after the break-up that may require a helping hand.
Divorce: The end of a marriage, whether it’s your own or your parents’ is traumatic and painful. It is a type of loss that alters our life and grieving after divorce is a healthy and normal part of healing after the marriage ends.
Pregnancy: While pregnancy is a joyful time for many, some women and those close to them experience grief before, during, and after a pregnancy. This could be due to feeling like you’ve lost part of yourself when becoming a parent. Or it may be hard to accept the circumstances that caused the pregnancy. Whatever the situation, there are people who want to help.
Body Image Issues: Many men and women struggle deeply with body image issues, either because their body changes or because they are in recovery from a food addiction or eating disorder. It may feel like you’ve lost control over your body, or you’ll never have the body and health you used to. It’s important to know that you are not by yourself in this struggle.
Grief is Universal
No matter what the situation that is causing you grief, I want you to know you are not alone in your feelings. The Bible tells us that even Jesus wept and grieved for people he cared about and situations that troubled him. If God Himself grieves, He can help you get through whatever loss is causing you grief so that you can find healing.
And there are always people who care and who want to help. Whether it’s a prayer partner or a mentor, there is always someone who can listen, support you, and offer you guidance to heal during grief. Please know that whatever you’re going through, I am here for you and praying for you to find the strength and peace you need to get through this. If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Have you ever asked the question, “Why Is Life So Hard?”. Find the answers in this guest blog by our friends at EveryStudent.com here.
We also have a partner, GriefShare, who is a caring support group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
Your Friend,
Photo Credit: Riccardo Mion
