There are few things that can compare to the anguish that comes with losing someone you care about. There is no way to prevent oneself from experiencing powerful sentiments of sadness, but there are more healthy methods to accept one’s loss and move on with life. Bereavement is the experience of loss and mourning that one goes through after the passing of a significant other person. Losing someone you care about is one of the most difficult things anyone will ever have to go through, despite the fact that it is an unavoidable aspect of life and something that the vast majority of us will experience at some point in our lives.

The loss of a loved one, whether they were a close friend, spouse, partner, parent, kid, or other relative, can leave a person feeling helpless and overwhelmed. You might go through waves of intense emotions that are very challenging to deal with, such as profound sadness, emptiness, and despair, as well as shock, numbness, remorse, or regret.  These feelings might come and go in waves. You might lash out at the circumstances surrounding the passing of a loved one, directing your hatred toward yourself, the medical staff, other family members, or even God. You might even have trouble accepting that the person you loved is no longer with you, or you might have trouble visualizing how you will ever be able to recuperate and move on from your loss.

The reactions of the bereaved are not the only aspect of the grieving process. Grief over the death of a loved one can also bring on bodily symptoms, such as changes in weight and appetite, difficulties sleeping, aches and pains, and a weakened immune system that makes a person more susceptible to sickness and other health issues. Your personality, the amount of support you have around you, and your own levels of health and well-being can all play a role in how grieving affects you in the aftermath of a loss of a loved one.

However, it is crucial to be aware that there are healthy ways to deal with the agony and come to terms with your loss. This is true regardless of the level of suffering you are experiencing at the moment. Although it’s possible that your life will never be the same again, as time passes, you’ll be able to ease the pain of your loss, begin to look ahead to the future with hope and optimism, and eventually move on with your life.

The loss of a loved one is not the only thing that can cause bereavement. Many of us consider our animals to be not just loyal friends but also part of our families. Consequently, you might feel the same range of emotions when your pet passes away, including grief, anguish, and loss. Healing from the loss of an animal partner can be a lengthy process, similar to grieving for human loved ones; however, there are techniques to make it through this difficult period.