Six Common Misconceptions About Grief and Loss

Losing a loved one can be a very difficult experience. In fact, for many people, when they lose a loved one, it can be one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Loss is never easy and although everyone will experience loss at some point, there are still many misconceptions about grief and loss. Here are some of the top misconceptions about grief and loss.

#1: “Getting over it” is the Only Answer

When a person passes away, this can often create a very profound sense of absence and sadness in your life. Give yourself time to heal and adjust to your new reality. Do not rush it, allow yourself to go through the stages of grief until you have fully adapted to the loss of the person.

#2: Grief Never Reappears After Enough Time Passes

Grief is not predictable. Grief can appear many months, or even years after a person passes away. A sensation of grief can come when something triggers a certain memory unexpectedly. We cannot time and plot our reactions.

#3: Crying is a Weakness

Crying is a normal reaction to loss. Dealing with the emotions directly in this way can be therapeutic to the grieving soul. Allowing yourself to shed tears can be an emotional and physical release your body needs.

#4: Women Grieve More Than Men

Loss can impact men just as severely and painfully as it can women. Men may hesitate to discuss their grief, or be less expressive of their feelings, but that does not mean that it isn’t impacting them just as much.

#5: The First Year of Grief is the Hardest

Yes, the first year can be extremely difficult. However, it’s often after the first year that the reality of the loss becomes more difficult to bear. Because each loss is unique, you may experience a wide range of emotions long after you have said goodbye. Look for support groups, keep a journal, and practice good self-care.

#6: Medication is the Path Out of Grief

Some people assume that the only way to adequately deal with grief is with medication. Grief is a natural process. This means that it is normal for people to go through a period of sadness when someone they care about dies.  In many cases, the best way to deal with grief is to allow yourself to feel the emotions that are associated with it. However, severe reactions to grief are more likely to occur in people with depression. Be sure to speak with your physician or counselor to create a plan specifically designed to address your individual needs

A Broader Perspective

Everyone experiences grief at some point in their life, but we all experience it in different ways. There is no one size fits all experience. For some people, it may be very sharp and distinct for a short period of time, and for others, it may be a longer-term but less intense feeling of pain and sadness.

If you are dealing with grief, then you should know that you are not alone and that many people go through this process every single day. Loss is an unfortunate and difficult part of the human condition. However, there are ways that you can get support for this difficult period of your life. Professional counseling is one of the best ways to do this. Support groups can also be very helpful. The support of your friends and family who may also be experiencing grief due to the loss of the person is also a great way to cope with grief.

However you choose to cope with grief, hopefully, with time, you will be able to get through it in the best way possible. Knowing these six misconceptions of grief can help you on your way.