“In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein
One of the most common symptoms of grieving is depression. It’s not unusual to experience sadness again and again as you progress through your healing journey. This may cause you to wonder if you’re sliding backward rather than moving forward. However, you must not allow times of regression to discourage you. See them instead as evidence that you are healing but need to do more work at that particular stage. Feelings of depression are especially common during holidays and other days that hold special significance, such as anniversaries and birthdays. Knowing ahead of time what to expect and preparing yourself for the possibility that you’ll experience a resurgence of emotions will help minimize the impact.
True healing requires that you accept your loss, choose to let go and move forward in a new direction. Surrounding yourself with people who are understanding and supportive reminds you that you’re not alone. Attending grief recovery support groups or workshops allows you to connect with others who are experiencing similar emotions and can provide insight and encouragement. Involvement in the community or in a project geared toward helping others can serve to take your attention away from yourself and your pain and give you a broader perspective. Several studies support the premise that helping others, even if it means pushing yourself to do it, benefits the giver as much as it does the recipient.
As you continue healing you’ll experience a lessening of grief and in time the memories associated with the severed relationship will be less painful. As you emerge whole and healed, your life may take an entirely different path–one that you may not have considered if it weren’t for the losses. Growing and learning from your experience and the demands that were placed upon you will also enable you to understand and empathize with others who may be facing a similar loss and need your help.
Life Resumed: Healing From Loss 