Common Losses We Feel Throughout Life and How to Deal with Them

We all experience different forms of losses throughout our lives and we choose to cope with the intense and overwhelming feelings that arise in different ways. There are so many types of losses and overcoming them is never easy. It is important to understand that everyone deals with loss differently and the feelings may last longer for some.

There are both positive and negative ways to cope, but it is important to have a bottom line understanding that moving forward rather than living in the past allows you to advance and overcome. Below are common losses that we feel throughout our lives and different ways to deal with them.

Common Losses

One type of loss that is very common during this time is job and income loss.

With millions of people currently filing for unemployment, job layoffs because of the pandemic have become extremely abrupt and unexpected. This leaves families without enough money to cover their expenses and feed their children. This type of loss can bring about intense feelings of uncertainty and anxiety because of financial instability.

A relationship breakup or loss.

This type of loss is extremely hard on the mind and can leave a person without motivation or goals. It may feel like the person’s whole world has collapsed, especially after a long-term relationship. When you are with someone for a long amount of time, it is common to feel very lost and struggle with finding your independence once again.

Another type of loss is the death of a loved one.

This is the most intense form of loss that is very significant and can completely change a person. It is the most difficult experience a person can go through and usually requires different forms of healing and recovery including counselling and other forms of support. It will likely trigger many different and challenging types of feelings and everyone deals with it in different ways.

Coping with Loss

Everyone grieves loss in different ways depending on the person and the situation they are going through. If the loss is sudden, one will react differently than if it was anticipated. It is normal to feel very irritable, angry, regretful, and sad or depressed.

Depending on what occurred, you may also feel very anxious, uneasy, and frightened. This may lead to a feeling of numbness or a lack of motivation. All of these feelings can be very intense and overwhelming, so it is important to determine ways to cope that work best for you.

If you like doing activities like reading, writing, painting, or crafts, you may find that these can be very therapeutic and distracting for the mind. You will be able to let go of the intense thoughts while doing something you enjoy.

You may paint or do a craft of something as tribute towards the loss or write about the emotions going on through your head.

Counselling and other forms of support from others are very common and normal during times of grief. Letting out your thoughts to other people who can provide advice and support can allow you to release the thoughts that are bottled up and repeating in your mind.

You can also get helpful insight from people who may have gone through similar circumstances and will realize that you are not alone throughout the process.

When going through loss, it is important to take care of yourself in order to stay motivated and energized while overcoming challenges. This means making healthy food choices rather than sticking to comfort and junk foods because the nutrients will help your emotional wellbeing. This also means getting adequate exercise to keep the blood flowing and stay physically active.