One of the most common symptoms of grieving is depression. It’s not unusual to experience sadness again and again as we progress through our healing. This may cause many to wonder if they’re sliding backward rather than moving forward. Feelings of depression are especially common during holidays and other days that hold special significant such as anniversaries and birthdays. (See posts titled, 16 Tips to Help You Get Through the Holidays While Grieving and Lost Love and Valentine’s Day.)
In order to heal and regain a sense of equilibrium and wellness, we need to accept our loss, choose to let go and move forward in a new direction. Surrounding ourselves with people that are understanding and supportive reminds us that we’re not alone. Attending grief recovery support groups or workshops allows us to connect with others that are experiencing similar emotions and can provide insight and encouragement. Involvement in the community or in a project geared toward helping others serves to take our attention away from ourselves and our pain and gives us a broader perspective.
As we continue healing we’ll experience a lessening of grief and in time the memories associated with the severed relationship will be less painful. In many instances our life will follow a different path—one that we may not have considered if it wasn’t for the loss. We learn and we grow from the experience and the demands placed upon us—and in so doing we create a new reality.
Life with all its challenges and joys, its peak moments as well as the ordinary and mundane, is a privilege and a gift from God. And when one considers all the possibilities that come our way, from the miniscule to the majestic, it’s both awesome and humbling.
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Life Resumed: Healing From Loss 