Making peace with Grief
Grief is a powerful emotional response to the loss of someone or something deeply significant. It often involves a mix of intense emotions such as pain, longing, guilt, anger, and a sense of emptiness. For some, the sorrow feels never-ending, while others may suppress these emotions entirely.
Society often views grieving as a sign of weakness, suggesting that people should simply move on. However, grief is actually a natural and valid reaction to loss. Just as we smile in moments of joy, we are equally entitled to feel sadness when we lose someone dear. Emotions that are genuine and deeply felt cannot be switched off at will.
In certain cases, the grief of losing someone close can begin to disrupt daily life. This form of complicated grief may present itself either through persistent thoughts of the deceased or through total avoidance. Constant remembrance can create a sense of continued connection, while on the other hand avoidance serves as a way to deny the painful reality of the loss. Though these coping mechanisms may offer temporary relief, they prevent the grief from being fully processed and attended which can result in intense emotional distress and difficulties in personal and professional life.
Therefore, rather than trying to escape the reality of the loss, it is healthier to face it, feel it, and gradually make peace with it.
Acknowledging the pain is the first step toward healing. It allows us to understand the personal meaning of the loss, how it has affected us, and how our lives have changed as a result. Sitting with our grief—though painful—brings us closer to accepting the loss. Acceptance does not mean forgetting the person we’ve lost. The connection doesn’t have to end. We can remember not only their death but also the valuable memories and meaningful experiences shared with them. We may even maintain a bond by engaging in activities they loved or by pursuing goals they once held dear.
The ache of their absence may always linger. But it shouldn’t be the only reminder of their presence in our lives. We can honor and celebrate the joy and meaning they brought us.
Alima Akter Methila
Psychologist, wEvolve
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