Insight and Help with Grief Experiences

Loss affects us all. Whether you have lost a loved one, experienced the end of a relationship, faced declining health, or had a dream that didn’t come true – loss can deeply affect you. But how you cope with that loss is different for everyone. Understanding grief and loss can help you take that first step forward.

In this blog, I will take you through what grief really is, the types of loss you may experience, and how you can take steps to move on. I will provide you insights, recognition, and practical tips to support you in your process.

What is Grief?

Grief is a process of adjustment. It is more than just sadness: it is dealing with a new reality where something or someone important to you is absent.

Grief often involves emotions that go in every direction. You may feel sadness, anger, or guilt. Sometimes there is relief, for example, when a difficult situation comes to an end. Everything you feel is okay. There is no fixed way or timeline for grieving – it is a unique process for everyone.

The Different Forms of Loss

Loss can express itself in many ways. Below, I describe the most common forms:

• Loss of a Loved One

This is the most well-known type of loss. The death of a loved one – whether it is a family member, friend, or pet – often leaves a deep void. You not only lose the person but also a part of your daily routine and maybe even a part of your identity.

• Relational Loss

When a relationship ends, you often experience a kind of grief. This can pertain to a partner, a friendship, or a family member. The loss of this bond can elicit emotions similar to those felt in the event of a death, even if you chose to end the relationship yourself.

• Health Loss

With illness, a disability, or an unexpected diagnosis, you may grieve for what you can no longer do. This type of loss is often less acknowledged by others but has a significant impact on your life and self-image. Aging and the changing world around you can also lead to experiences of this loss.

• Loss of Employment or Financial Security

Losing your job, or having to give up a career due to circumstances, can feel like losing a part of yourself. Work not only provides income but often also structure and appreciation. The loss of your job often touches upon many other kinds of losses as well.

• Loss of Future Expectations

Sometimes we grieve for something that will never become reality. Think of infertility or a dream that does not come true. It can be difficult to create a new vision of the future when you have to let go of old expectations. The raw ache for what could have been is often underestimated by those around you.

Stacked Loss: When Losses Pile Up

Losses often accumulate. You may lose a loved one and then face a divorce, illness, or financial uncertainty on top of that. But also not properly processing previous losses can cause you to stack your losses. We refer to both forms as stacked loss.

Stacked loss is intense. You barely have time or take little time to recover from one loss before the next one presents itself. This can exhaust you both emotionally and physically. In such situations, it is especially important to give yourself rest and space and to seek support.

How Do You Cope with Grief, How Can You Understand Grief and Loss?

There is no manual for grief, but there are ways that can help you cope:

• Acknowledge Your Emotions. Allow sadness, anger, and other feelings. Suppressing them often only makes the process heavier.

• Seek Connection. Share your story with someone you trust. This can be a friend, family member, or coach. You don’t have to do it alone.

• Take Your Time. Give yourself the space to grieve. The process has no fixed beginning or end.

• Create Space for Rituals. Think of creating a memory, such as a walk in nature, lighting a candle, or keeping a journal.

• Consider Guidance. Sometimes it helps to explore with a coach how you can find your way through the grieving process.

Grief as an Opportunity for Growth

Grief often feels heavy. Sometimes you may not feel the need to put a positive spin on it. But your grief can also be a process of growth. You get to know yourself better and discover where your strengths lie. It takes courage to confront your feelings, but that courage also gives you the space to move forward. Moreover, this growth is not the same as solving or burying your loss.

As a coach, I help women like you gain control over their emotions, set boundaries, and look towards the future with self-compassion.

Take the First Step Today

Do you recognize yourself in this story? Don’t keep it to yourself. I’m happy to help you find your strength within.

Schedule a free introductory conversation here and discover how I can support you in your process.