It’s a lot easier to have your loss validated when someone actually dies—but what if you’ve lost something that appears “hidden” (it can be an invalidated death) or something that is perhaps socially unacceptable or tangential (maybe you are experiencing something not listed here):
- A mastectomy
- An amputation
- A grafting
- An abortion
- An ectopic pregnancy
- A miscarriage
- A stillbirth
- A chronic illness
- A disability
- Forced retirement
- Graduation from school
- Getting fired
- A divorce or relationship breakup
- Death of a pet
- Loss of friends
- Loss of lifestyle after addiction treatment
- A move
- Loss of a dream/hope/freedom…
- Loss of role/status/position…
If you’re having trouble getting in touch with your grief you could take the time to record, or name, your loss. (In fact, acknowledge small losses as you experience them in daily life so that they do not accumulate.)
Acknowledge the loss to yourself (it can remain private if you wish).
Embrace the freeing experience of feeling your emotions (the pain of the loss)—it’s easier than carrying the pain any longer.
In my next Blog I’ll talk about a “hidden” loss that’s touched my life and what I did about it…
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
Read an excerpt now
TV Shows and Clips about the Death of Cindy James