Grief and loss are universal experiences that everyone goes through at some point in their lives. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a breakup or a major life change these experiences can be incredibly challenging to cope with. One of the questions that many people ask is, “Does grief and loss go away on its own?” As a psychotherapist, counsellor, and therapist, I have seen many clients struggle with this question. In this blog post, we will explore the answer to this question in-depth.
The first thing to understand is that grief and loss are not something that can be “cured.” They are a natural and normal response to difficult life experiences, and everyone experiences them differently. While some people may begin to feel better relatively quickly, others may find themselves struggling for much longer. There is no “right” way to grieve, and there is no set timeline for when you should start to feel better.
That being said, there are certain things that can make the grieving process more manageable. Seeking support from loved ones or a professional counsellor can be incredibly helpful. A psychotherapist can provide you with tools and strategies for coping with your grief, such as mindfulness practices or cognitive-behavioral therapy. A counsellor can also provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to talk about your feelings and process your grief.
It’s also important to remember that grief and loss are not linear processes. You may experience a range of emotions, from sadness to anger to numbness, and these emotions may come and go at different times. Some moments may feel overwhelming, while others may be more manageable. This is normal and expected – give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions come up.
While grief and loss may never fully go away, over time, you may find that your feelings of sadness and loss start to lessen. You may begin to feel more at peace with your loss and start to focus more on positive memories of the person or experience that you lost. You may even find that your experience of grief helps you to become more resilient and compassionate towards others who are struggling with loss.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Does grief and loss go away on its own?” is complex. While grief and loss are not something that can be “cured,” seeking support from loved ones or a counsellor can make the process more manageable. Remember that grief and loss are not linear processes and that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions. Over time, you may find that your feelings of sadness and loss start to lessen. While grief and loss may never fully go away, healing is possible.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Josh Zettel, Psychotherapist, or another Kitchener psychotherapist in Waterloo or Kitchener at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
