When we hear the word grief, we think about losing someone we love. But grief isn’t limited to death or bereavement. It’s a deeply human response to loss —any loss —and it can show up in many forms that aren’t always recognized or understood.
Grief can quietly shape our lives, influencing how we cope, connect, and move forward. Sometimes the pain we carry shows up through behaviours like overworking, gambling or other ways we try to fill an emptiness we don’t quite understand. The unsolved grief from the past often lingers and continues to affect how we experience the present.
Certain moments in life can stir up grief we thought we’d left behind — reminders or something, or someone, we’ve lost. You might grieve the end of a relationship, the loss of a career, or the shift in identity. You might grieve a sport that you can no longer play, a dream that didn’t come true, or even a version of yourself that once existed. Grief can also arise when leaving a job, even one you were ready to walk away from, because it marks the end of a chapter in your life.
These forms of grief can carry as much emotional weight as losing a person, yet they often go unseen. When society doesn’t acknowledge them, people can feel alone or wonder why they’re struggling to “move on.” Grief and change go hand in hand; even the most positive transitions, such as graduating, moving to a new city, or becoming a parent, can bring a sense of loss alongside new beginnings. Every ending holds space for both grief and growth.
Signs You Might Be Grieving
Grief doesn’t always look like sadness. It can show up in many different ways, sometimes quietly, sometimes unexpectedly. You might notice:
- Irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or restlessness
- Numbness or detachment
- A sense of longing or emptiness
These feelings are normal responses to loss. They don’t mean you’re broken, they mean you’re human.
Healing Takes Time
There’s no timeline for grief, and there’s no “right” way to feel. What matters most is allowing yourself the space to acknowledge your losses, in whatever form they take. Speaking with a counsellor can offer guidance as you make sense of your emotions and begin to find meaning in what comes next. Grief isn’t something to get over; it’s something to move through. With compassion, support, and time, healing is possible.
We’re here for you through it all. To connect with one of our caring counsellors, reach out to us at [email protected].
