Grieving the Loss of a Relationship

Most people associate grief with the death of a loved one. But grief can occur over any type of loss — including the loss of a relationship. When something so important and impactful comes to an end, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost a part of your life and even a part of yourself. You’ll never get that back, even if you move on to another relationship.

So, it’s perfectly normal to grieve when a relationship ends. You might struggle with things like overwhelming sadness. You might even feel angry, confused, or frustrated. 

If you were in a relationship for a long time, you might even wonder who you are without that person in your life.

Thankfully, there are healthy ways to cope. Dealing with the loss of a relationship the right way will make it easier to prioritize your well-being so you can start the next chapter of your life on the right foot. 

Acknowledge Your Feelings

One of the best things you can do as you’re trying to cope is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Don’t try to push them down or ignore them. Even if you think it’s “silly” to feel a certain way, let it come forward. 

Feelings can be intense after the loss of a relationship. They’re likely to become even more intense if you try to ignore them. Listen to your emotions now so you can work through them. If you don’t, they’ll threaten to consume your every thought.

Be Compassionate

No matter what you’re feeling, show yourself kindness and compassion. How would you treat a close friend who just lost their relationship? Chances are, you would be supportive and loving. You would be a shoulder to lean on, and you would be extremely compassionate toward their feelings.

Don’t treat yourself any differently. No matter how or why the relationship ended, give yourself some grace. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to process and heal. There’s no timeline when it comes to grief. So, while it’s important to keep looking forward, don’t pressure yourself to “move on,” and don’t criticize yourself for feeling your feelings.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is always important. But it’s especially necessary when you’re going through something as difficult as a relationship loss. 

You might not feel motivated to care for yourself right now. But that’s exactly why you should. Simple things like getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and spending time outside are all forms of self-care that can help you feel better. 

To boost your mental health, consider things like journaling, mindfulness, or meditation. Just a few minutes every day of conscious self-care can go a long way. Make these practices a part of your daily routine. 

Lean On Your Support System

Don’t feel like you have to go through the loss of a relationship alone. Turn to the people who care about you. Isolating yourself will make things worse. You’ll be alone with your thoughts and more likely to experience depression or anxiety.

Lean on family and friends as you try to move forward. That doesn’t mean you need to listen to them speak poorly about your former partner or your relationship. You decide what you want to talk about and when you’re ready to open up. Chances are, those in your inner circle will be there for whatever you need. 

If you’re really struggling, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy can be a great way to understand your thoughts and emotions better. Doing so will make it easier to process them so you can move forward. If you feel like you need that extra bit of help, don’t hesitate to contact us to set up an appointment soon.