The Emotion that Keeps Us Stuck
When you lose someone or something you love, it’s hard to move on with your life. Everyone handles grief differently, but the common thread that runs through everyone who goes through it is that they’re unable to let go of the person or thing they’ve lost. Whether they’ve been gone a few days or many years, these people know how it feels to grieve in such a way that leaves them stuck in the past. If you want to move forward with your life and find happiness again, these are some things you need to know about grief.
Why is it so hard to move on?
When people experience a loss, they often feel stuck in the grieving process. They may feel depressed, angry, or guilty and these feelings can linger for months or years. However, there are ways to work through grief and regain a sense of hope and happiness. One way to start moving on is by talking about your feelings with others who have experienced similar losses. Talking about what you are feeling will help take control of your emotions so you can move forward in life.
What are the signs you might be stuck in grief?
There's no wrong way to grieve, but if you're still experiencing the same feelings a year after your loved one has passed away, it might be time to seek professional help.
Signs that you are stuck in grief include:
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy -Increased drinking and drug use -Memories interfering with daily life
Unable to function at work or school
Relationships ending because they're not healthy
Difficulty functioning day-to-day
Feeling like there is no purpose for living
Lack of self-care
Focusing on things from the past instead of looking towards the future
Neglecting family members and friends who need support during this difficult time
How do we move on from our sadness?
We need to allow ourselves to experience the sadness, anger and other emotions that arise when we lose someone we love. We don't have to go through this alone. Reach out to people who are willing and able to listen. There are many online communities such as The Grief Club or The Compassionate Friends where you can find understanding friends who will support you on your journey of grieving the loss of a loved one. Find a way to honor their memory by living your life in their name. Seek professional counseling if needed.
How can I mourn with my partner, friend, family member?
The key to mourning with your partner, friend, or family member is to allow them their space. You can't force someone to keep moving forward, they have to want to do it on their own. Be there for them when they need you and give them space when they don't.
Grieving is a process and sometimes things will get worse before they get better. Know that this doesn't mean you're doing something wrong - grief just does that sometimes.
In the end, grief will subside but it never really goes away - it's always there in some way shape or form as a reminder of what has happened in our lives. And just like everything else in life, these days are finite so we might as well enjoy them while we can!
If you're struggling, don't face the problem alone. Contact us today to learn more about online therapy and how it can help you.