Grief and Loss: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Grief is messy. Sometimes it’s loud, haunting sobs. Sometimes it’s quiet and unseen. It’s unpredictable, and it’s exhausting. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, experienced the end of a relationship, or are mourning a life that looks different than you hoped, the weight of loss can feel absolutely unbearable at times.
Here’s the truth: there’s no “right” way to grieve. There’s no timeline, no checklist, and no magic words that will make it all feel better overnight (unfortunately).
“Grief, when it comes, is nothing like we expect it to be.” — Joan Didion
What grief can feel like
Grief can show up in countless ways, but here are a few common ones:
Numbness, like you’re moving through life on autopilot
Waves of sadness that hit without warning
Anger, guilt, or regret
Anxiety about the future or fear of forgetting
Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, or weight loss
Even if your loss isn’t death-related, grief can be just as intense. Losing a dream, a relationship, or a sense of normalcy is still loss — and it deserves acknowledgment.
Why grief is so hard
Grief isn’t just about missing what you lost — it’s about adjusting to a new reality. Your brain, body, and heart are all trying to process something unimaginable, and it takes energy, patience, and support. However, these things can feel like scarcities when you’re running on fumes.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or confused about your emotions. You might even feel like you’re “supposed” to be over it by now — but grief doesn’t follow anyone’s schedule.
What can help
Give yourself permission to feel. Cry, scream, write it out, or just sit with your feelings. You don’t have to “be strong” all the time.
Lean on support. Friends, family, or a therapist can offer a space to share your pain without judgment.
Rituals and remembrance. Looking at photos, creating a memory book, or having a small ritual can help honor your loss.
Self-care matters. Sleep, nutrition, and movement might feel impossible, but even small acts help your mind and body cope. Even if you don’t want to at first, odds are, you’ll feel better afterward.
Gentle reminder: grief isn’t linear. Some days will feel lighter, others heavier. Hold space for whatever feelings come up, and be kind to yourself in the process.
Finding joy again isn’t betrayal
Many people feel guilty when they laugh, smile, or experience happiness after a loss. It’s common to worry that feeling joy means you’ve “moved on” or forgotten the person or thing you lost.
Here’s the truth: it’s okay to feel joy. Smiling doesn’t erase your grief or mean your love was any less. In fact, allowing yourself moments of happiness is part of healing — it doesn’t dishonor your loss, it honors your life continuing. You can carry grief and joy together, even on the same day, even in the same moment.
“Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.” — Earl Grollman
Final thoughts
Loss is an incredibly painful thing. It can feel isolating and leave you believing that no one else could possibly understand what you’re going through.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone. Reaching out for support (whether through friends, family, or a therapist) doesn’t erase the pain, but it makes the weight easier to carry. Grief is a journey, and taking it one step at a time is not only okay — it’s brave.
💡 At Morrow Therapeutics, I support people in navigating grief and loss. You don’t have to carry the weight of it alone. Together, we can create space for healing, meaning, and hope.