Grief is one of those things that silently creeps up. One never knows when it will show up, how it’s going to hit, but it will hit and it will hit hard. Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering felt when something or someone loved is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. One may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt and profound sadness. 

The pain of grief can also disrupt physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss and the more significant the loss, the more intense the grief can be. There’s really nothing to do other than let it take its course. The feelings will eventually lessen. It might take months, it might take years, but the physical body will eventually start to come to terms with the loss.

“Remaining positive and praying has helped [me] get through my pain,” junior Emma Rodgers said. 

People say that coping with the loss of someone or something loved is one of life’s biggest challenges. And they’re right, it is one of the most difficult things that humans will have to do in a single lifetime. But, it’s something that everyone on this planet goes through. There’s no one on this planet who hasn’t experienced grief in some type of way.   

“What has helped me get over grief is being with my family,” Rodgers said.

But sometimes there are things that won’t help you in the early stages of grief.

“Overthinking the situation has least helped me through this,” Rodgers said.

Overthinking can introduce things to the mind that will not help, and possibly will make things worse. This can cause anxiety to go  through the roof.

“What I miss the most is seeing how happy my uncle used to be before we found out that he has cancer; even though he’s still alive, I miss his old self,” Rodgers said.

Many people find peace and happiness thinking about favorite memories of their loved ones.

“My favorite memory of my uncle is his liveliness and how amazing he is with his kids,” Rogers said.

There are many different coping skills to use, such as talking to people or music.

“I just think about the future, and don’t dwell on the past to help me cope,” Rogers said.   

Whatever the loss is, it’s personal, so don’t feel ashamed about feelings, or believe that it’s somehow only appropriate to grieve for certain things. If the person, animal, relationship or situation was significant, it’s normal to grieve the loss experienced. Whatever the cause of grief, though, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain that, in time, can ease  sadness and help one come to terms with the loss, find new meaning, and eventually move on with life.