13th February 2022

When we talk about grief, it is immediately assumed that it refers to someone dying. While this is often the case, we can often experience grief following a number of different events that occur in our lives. This is because the feeling of grief is not necessarily linked to death, but more to loss more generally. The anatomy of loss is what I really work with as a bereavement counsellor in Harrogate and online, and as a result I see plenty of clients who are experiencing grief over events other than death. Here are some examples.

Relationships

If you have been married for some time, divorce will inevitably bring a sense of grief. The event of someone who has been with you for many years leaving your life naturally leaves a hole that feels very similar to a bereavement. This can also be the case for relationships that end suddenly on bad terms, either with a romantic partner or close friend. Many parents also go through this process if their child cuts them out of their life.

Job Loss

Due to the pandemic, along with other factors, a good number of people have been released from their jobs after many years of working for that company in recent times. Their workplace becomes like a family - something they see as an integral part of who they are - and when they no longer have that environment, it creates a powerful feeling of loss.

Financial Loss

For many reasons, people can quickly incur a significant financial loss – as was the case for a high number of people in light of the 2007-08 financial crash. Financial loss comes in many forms, such as a court settlement, being frauded, gambling issues, etc. When one loses all their money - or at least a considerable part of it - it feels like they are in a black hole, with no way out. Something they took for granted and deemed vital to their survival has suddenly disappeared, and this rapid transition can be particularly hard to deal with on your own.

If you are struggling with a divorce, recent life transition, or any other loss that has happened in your life, I offer bereavement counselling in Harrogate and online that can help. Feel free to get in touch at any time.