Grief and Loss

Grief and loss are things that we all might experience throughout our lives. It can come in the form of someone, or a pet, close to us passing away, but it can also be in the form of a relationship (romantic/platonic) that did not work out, and the other person choosing to move on.

If either of these things happens suddenly, we might experience trauma. For example, you might experience this if someone you love dies in an accident, or if you find out a partner has been unfaithful. These things can be so traumatic when you are not expecting them and might make the feelings of grief and loss harder to bear.

A really famous quote that often resurfaces on social media is one by Jamie Anderson, who wrote in her blog, “Grief is just love with no place to go.” I believe this quote to be quite comforting to those of us who have experienced the loss of someone we loved, a pet, a family member, or a friend. It is that reassurance that we had so much love to give, but now it is unspent. Since that person or pet is long gone, and the more you loved, the more you grieve.

However, this quote can only relate to those who lose someone they love, so what happens when we experience the loss of an abuser? The quote may not apply here in this context, as the relationship lacked a foundation of healthy love. In this case, grief does not equal love; it is more about grieving the loss of what could have been, or the longing for the version you always wanted from this person but never got.

If you or anyone you know is having a hard time because of loss and grief, it is advised to seek professional help.

By: Sahrai Hernandez