Grief & Relationships: How Your Relationships Might Change When You Grieve
Experiencing the death of a loved one is often the biggest challenge a person faces. Grieving can feel overwhelming and consume every facet of your life. It is during this time that you need the comfort of others the most, and yet social connections often feel strained as your relationships and social network seem to be flipped upside-down.
Here are four ways relationships can shift when you are trying to navigate the loss of a loved one:
1. Your Support System May Surprise You
You may be surprised who steps up in your greatest hour of need. Some of your closest loved ones, those who have been by your side through dating and childbirth and other life dilemmas, may not be able to be there for you during your bereavement. It is often people you’d least expect who show up to hold your hand while you grieve. An old friend you’ve lost touch with, a co-worker you’ve hardly spoken to but who understands the complexities of living with death… these are sometimes the people who help the hurt go away.
2. You May Feel Angry – And That’s Okay
You will try and understand why your closest friends and relatives seem to have abandoned you during one of the most painful times in your life. But understanding won’t make the pain of it go away.
Yes, it’s important to realize that not everyone can cope with death and loss, including the people closest to you. It’s also important to recognize that feeling this additional pain, and even anger and resentment about feeling abandoned, is totally normal and okay.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash downloaded 12/23/22
3. People Will Avoid You
Losing loved ones is something all of us will go through, but some people cannot handle this reality. Just the thought of a loved one dying is more than many people can bear. Seeing your pain and sitting with you in your time of darkness will force others to look this stark reality in the face. Many people simply can’t do it. If you find that friends and relatives seem to be avoiding you, understand it is most likely because they cannot handle their own fears of loss.
4. Some Relationships Might Become Closer
For most people, it’s hard to understand certain things until they experience it themselves: Having children, running a marathon, getting divorced. Losing a loved one is certainly on this list as well. While your current group of loved ones will try to empathize with you, the reality is that you now belong to a special club and those who you feel close to and understood by may change.
This does not mean you will no longer feel close to those you did before the loss, but it means you have now changed and how you perceive the world and others has changed as well.
Relationships are hard, and they can be more difficult during periods of loss and grief. It’s important that you are gentle with yourself during this time and seek help. Consider joining a support group. Being around those who share your pain firsthand can be a comfort during this time.
Begin Grief Counseling in Missouri
You may also want the guidance of a therapist who can help you navigate your complex emotions and offer tools to work through your grief.
We offer grief counseling at our counseling office in Columbia, MO or anywhere in Missouri online. If you or a loved one is interested in exploring grief counseling, please contact Aspire Counseling today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help. In the meantime, you can read about 5 things to say to someone who is grieving.
Other Counseling Services
In addition to offering grief counseling, the therapists at our Columbia, MO-based counseling clinic can offer help for a wide range of mental health concerns. We offer trauma therapy (including traumatic bereavement), anxiety treatment, counseling for depression, caregiver support, and LGBTQ affirming counseling services. We believe you deserve to feel better. Begin the next chapter of your life by reaching out today. Our therapists can meet with you at our Columbia, MO counseling clinic, outside at a park for Walk & Talk therapy if you live in Mid Missouri or anywhere in the state through our secure online platform.
Reach out and begin counseling today.
Other Blog Posts About Grief:
Are the 5 stages of grief real?
Grief before loss: Anticipatory Grief
