Why does grief come in waves?
One of the hardest things about grief is thinking you are finally beginning to feel better, only to suddenly find yourself overwhelmed again.
Have you ever had a day when you felt like yourself again, only to suddenly find yourself overwhelmed by grief? Maybe you were having a normal conversation, listening to music, looking at a photograph, or simply going about your day; then, something reminded you of the person you loved, and the feelings came rushing back.
You may find yourself wondering, “Why am I feeling like this again? I thought I was doing better.”
If you have ever felt this way, you are not alone.
Grief does not follow a straight road
There may be days when you feel stronger: you may laugh again, enjoy a conversation, get through your responsibilities, or even begin thinking about the future. Then an ordinary moment can reconnect you with the reality of the death, and suddenly the grief is there again. That does not mean you have failed. It does not mean you are starting over. Sometimes, something simply reminds you of the person you love, and those reminders can come when you least expect them.
A grief wave may be connected to something you:
- See
- Hear
- Smell
- Remember
- Experience
A familiar song, a photograph, a favourite meal, a place you once visited together, a familiar voice, a video, or a special occasion can bring memories to the surface.
Grief can surprise you, and when it does, understanding that these moments can happen may help you feel less confused by what you are experiencing.
You can be healing and still have difficult days. You can smile and still miss the person you love. You can continue living while still carrying their memory with you.
Want to Understand Your Grief More Deeply?
If you want to understand why grief comes in waves, why you can feel okay one day and sad the next, and what to do when grief catches you off guard, this free resource is for you.