Grief – What It Is and How to Cope With It.

Grief is a natural response to loss. It can come after losing a loved one, going through a breakup, losing a job, or facing a major life change. Grief can show up in many forms—deep sadness, emptiness, anger, or confusion. For some, it can also affect the body, causing trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or difficulty concentrating.

Everyone experiences grief differently. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve, but understanding the process and giving yourself permission to feel can be an important part of healing.

How Does Grief Affect the Body and Mind?

When you’re grieving, it’s common to wonder: Why do I feel so tired? Why can’t I focus? Is it normal to feel this way? Grief doesn’t just affect your emotions, it can impact your whole being.

Here’s how grief may show up:

• Emotional effects of grief: You might feel overwhelming sadness, anger, guilt, or emotional numbness. Emotions can change quickly and feel hard to control.
• Physical symptoms of grief: Many people experience fatigue, tension headaches, digestive issues, or even heart palpitations. It’s not just “in your head”, your body feels it too.
• Mental effects of grief: Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, or feeling mentally foggy are all common. Grief can make everyday tasks feel extra difficult.
• Social impact of grief: You might withdraw from friends or feel like you can’t relate to others the same way. It’s okay to take space, but connection can help, too.
• Existential thoughts during grief: It’s not unusual to question life’s meaning, your beliefs, or what the future holds. These thoughts can be confusing, but they’re part of the healing process for many.

Everyone grieves differently. The way grief affects you can depend on the nature of your loss, your past experiences, and your personality. Understanding what’s happening in your mind and body is a first step toward healing.

What Are the Stages of Grief?

Grief can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. You might be wondering: Is it normal to feel angry one day and numb the next? Why do my feelings keep shifting?

While everyone grieves differently, many people experience common emotional stages after a loss:

• Shock and denial: At first, it may feel hard to accept what’s happened. You might feel numb, like it isn’t real. This is your mind’s way of protecting you from the full impact of the loss.
• Anger: You might feel frustrated or resentful, toward yourself, others, or even the situation itself. Anger is a natural part of grieving, even if it feels uncomfortable.
• Bargaining: You may find yourself thinking, “If only I had…” or trying to make sense of what happened. This is a way of trying to regain control in a moment that feels out of control.
• Depression and sadness: Many people experience deep sorrow, a sense of emptiness, or low energy. It’s common to feel withdrawn or disconnected during this phase.
• Acceptance: Over time, you may start to find ways to live with the loss. This doesn’t mean “moving on” or forgetting, but finding new meaning, routines, and ways to cope.

Important to know: These stages don’t happen in a straight line. You might revisit some more than once, or skip others entirely. Grief isn’t something you “get over.” It shifts and changes, just like you do.

How Can You Cope With Grief?

Grief takes time, and there’s no quick fix—but there are things that can help you navigate the process:

1. Give yourself permission to feel.

Grief can bring sadness, anger, emptiness, or frustration. Letting yourself experience these feelings is part of healing.

2. Talk about your emotions.

Putting your feelings into words can make them easier to carry. Share with someone you trust—a friend, family member, or therapist.

3. Stick to simple routines.

Everyday structure can offer a sense of stability. Try to eat regularly, get some fresh air, and care for yourself, even when it’s hard.

4. Find an outlet.

Write, paint, listen to music, or do something creative that helps you express your emotions. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be real.

5. Move your body.

Physical activity can ease the stress and tension that often come with grief. A short walk or gentle stretch can make a difference.

6. Make space for moments of joy.

Feeling joy or laughter doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten your loss. It’s part of finding emotional balance while grieving.

7. Reach out for support.

If your grief feels overwhelming or starts affecting your daily life, talking to a professional can make a real difference.

How Can Therapy Help With Grief?

Working with a therapist or counselor can give you a safe space to:

• Process grief at your own pace, without pressure to “move on” too soon.
• Explore complex feelings like guilt, anger, or emptiness in a healthy way.
• Build strategies to handle everyday challenges that come with grief.
• Find meaning and a path forward after loss.

When Should You Seek Help?

It’s natural for grief to feel heavy. But if it starts interfering with your health or quality of life, professional support might be the next step.

Here are signs that therapy could help:

• Ongoing trouble sleeping or changes in appetite affecting your health.
• Intense feelings of guilt or shame that don’t go away.
• Pulling away from social life or losing interest in things you once enjoyed.
• Flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety linked to the loss.
• Struggling to manage daily responsibilities or relationships.

Asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a way of taking your grief and mental health seriously.

Therapy Test – Could Therapy Support You Through Grief?

Grief can affect your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. But how do you know if therapy might help?

If you’re unsure, our short test can offer clarity. By answering a few questions, you’ll get a sense of whether therapy could support you as you move through your grief.

Take the therapy test here.