How Does Grief Change You? A Look at the Mental Health Impacts of Grief and Loss

Grief is a universal human experience. It’s the emotional response to loss, and it can be triggered by a myriad of events. While we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, it’s important to recognize that loss can take many forms.

Ahead of National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, join us here as we explore how grief impacts mental health to support you through the emotional aftermath of various types of loss.

What does loss look like?

Loss is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of experiences. While the death of a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and significant types of grief, it's helpful to speak openly about other types of loss to better understand their impact. Here are some of the reasons that you may experience grief in your life: 

• Death: The loss of a loved one, whether expected or sudden, is a profound experience that can leave us shattered. 
• Life Transitions: Major life changes like retirement, moving, or job loss can disrupt our sense of identity and security, leading to feelings of loss and grief.
• Relationship Endings: The termination of a romantic relationship, a close friendship, or a family tie can be a painful experience that triggers grief.
• Illness or Disability: The onset of a chronic illness or disability can involve a significant loss of health, independence, or dreams for the future.

These are just a few examples of loss that can trigger grief. Any change that brings significant sadness or challenges is a loss worth acknowledging, particularly because often, the cause of grief is complex and varied. For example, the loss of a spouse is also the end of a relationship and a major life transition. All things you’ll grieve. No matter the trigger or circumstance, there is no right way to grieve. 

How does grief affect mental health?

Grief can significantly impact our mental health. It's common to experience a range of emotional and psychological symptoms. We’ve made a list for you below of some of the most notable ways that grief affects your mental health, and we asked our clinicians to share some of the ways they think you might find support when you’re trying to find yourself amid the impacts of grief and loss. 

Overwhelming Sadness: Feeling deep sorrow and longing for the person or thing that has been lost is a natural part of grief.

Support yourself by: Allowing yourself to feel your emotions, seeking comfort from loved ones, and exploring creative outlets like journaling or art.

Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions and feeling disconnected from others is a common response to grief.

Support yourself by: Reaching out to trusted friends or family, joining a grief support group, or volunteering to connect with others.

Anxiety and Fear: Worrying about the future, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing panic attacks are common grief-related symptoms.

Support yourself by: Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, engaging in physical activity, and seeking professional help if anxiety becomes debilitating.

Anger: Feeling angry at the person who died, at yourself, or at the world is a normal part of grief.

Support yourself by: Expressing your anger in healthy ways, such as through exercise or talking to a therapist.

Guilt: Blaming yourself for the loss or feeling like you could have prevented it can be a painful experience.

Support yourself by: Challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support from loved ones.

Finding Support Through Grief

Healing from grief is a personal journey that unfolds at its own pace. Research highlights the importance of social connection and self-care during your grief journey, particularly in the first year. Reaching out to friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide invaluable support and perspective. Feeling like there’s someone safe to hear you, and to let you share your story of loss in an authentic way can make a huge difference in how you process grief. 

Prioritizing self-care is key to ensuring you don’t lose yourself in life after loss. Whatever that means for you- whether it’s engaging in physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep can all positively contribute to your overall well-being. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, have been shown to help manage stress and anxiety associated with grief

You might consider joining a grief support group as a part of your self-care and social support network. Sharing experiences of loss can be cathartic for some people, and even if you aren’t ready to talk about your grief, it can help you find ideas of what might support you to cope. 

How can I remember someone when I’m grieving them?

When grief comes after death, finding a way forward without losing the memory of your person can be complicated. Research suggests that finding meaningful ways to honor those memories can be a comforting part of the healing process. 

You might try a few things before you find one that sticks, so we’ve made a list to get you started. 

1. Create a memorial space with photos and mementos, or plant a tree in their honor.
2. Writing in a journal about your memories or sharing stories with friends and family can keep their spirit alive. 
3. Consider participating in activities they loved or supporting causes they cared about. 

These practices each provide a unique sense of connection and continuity, allowing you to celebrate their life and legacy while finding solace in the cherished memories you hold.

You don’t have to grieve alone - Pure Health is here to help

No matter what kind of loss you’re experiencing, grief is a complex and often overwhelming experience. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey and if you’d like a licensed mental health professional who can support you, please get in touch with us today. 

Healing takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. We’re here to help.