Loss makes artists of us all as we weave new patterns in the fabric of our lives.

Greta W. Crosby

Grief is the natural response to loss. It is the pain and emotional suffering that we endure when something or someone you love is taken away. The grieving process is different for everyone. Sometimes we feel sadness, shock, guilt, fear, anger and disbelief. We feel different physically as we suffer from aches and pains, insomnia, nausea, changes in our weight and a lowered immune system.

Healing from grief takes time. And we are told that time heals all wounds. But when will this feeling go away?

Myths and Facts about Grief

Myth: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.

Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal with it.

Myth: It is important to be strong in the face of loss

Fact: Feeling sad, frightened or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to protect your family and friends by putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you

Myth: If you don’t cry it means that you are not sorry about the loss.

Fact: Crying is a normal response to sadness but it is not the only one. Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply have other ways of showing it.

Myth: Grief should last about a year

Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can differ from person to person.

Source: Center for Grief and Healing

Coping with grief is hard and not everyone deals with the grieving process the same way. But one of the key ways for us all to move forward in our grieving process is to accept and seek support. This can be through faith, joining a bereavement group, the love of family and friends or by talking to a therapist. Grieving is a process. Be kind to yourself as you weave new patterns into your life.