Together We Heal Community
March 20th, 2025
The initial loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience all on it’s own, but the multitude of losses that follow are surprising, and just as painful.
These “secondary losses” are all the messy, unexpected, complicated consequences that come after loss; they exacerbate feelings of sadness, isolation, and stress. What and why are these secondary losses so troubling? Why do they feel so heavy?
Secondary losses are a normal and expected part of grief.
- Be honest with yourself and with your supporters. The more we can acknowledge and name our feelings, the better support we can receive. Keep the communication lines open to those who want to help, but don’t exactly know how.
- Find other individuals who know grief first hand and understand the emotions and challenges that come with a loss. This could be in the form of a support group, closed groups on social media, a trusted therapist. (Be aware: there are people in this world who look for easy prey and will take advantage. I’m not saying not to seek out, but to trust your gut. If it seems fishy, it’s usually fishy.)
- Give yourself and others compassion and grace. Grief is unchartered territory for many. There is no handbook for grief and every experience is unique. Grief doesn’t operate on a timeline.
