The Many Faces of Grief: Why We Mourn Losses Beyond Death
Grief has a reputation for showing up after the loss of a loved one, but it doesn’t stop there. Ever felt completely thrown off after a big life change, even one you thought you wanted? That’s grief in disguise. Whether it’s a job loss, a breakup, or a shift in identity, grief comes in many forms—and it deserves just as much attention as the kind that comes with a funeral.
Grief Shows Up in Many Forms (Even the Ones You Don’t Expect)
When we think of grief, we often picture funerals, black clothing, and casseroles from well-meaning neighbors. But grief doesn’t just come with losing a loved one—it can sneak up in other ways, too:
Breakups or divorce (yes, even if you know it was for the best)
Losing a job (even if you hated it!)
Moving to a new city (Kansas City is great, but leaving home is still tough)
Major identity shifts (parenthood, retirement, or just turning 30)
Health challenges (your body changing can feel like losing part of yourself)
If any of these resonate, you’re not being dramatic—your brain just wasn’t designed to handle loss without a little struggle.
Why Grief Can Feel Like Anxiety or Depression
Many people come to therapy saying, “I don’t think I’m grieving, but I feel off.” That’s because grief doesn’t always announce itself with tears and sad songs. Instead, it can show up as:
Feeling stuck, restless, or unsure why you’re struggling
Increased anxiety about the future
Difficulty concentrating or feeling unmotivated
Sleep issues (because your brain is busy processing loss)
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Grief can masquerade as anxiety or depression, and recognizing it is the first step toward healing. Learn more about Sara’s grief therapy services here.
How Therapy (Including EMDR) Can Help with Life’s Losses
You don’t have to navigate grief alone—therapy can help untangle those emotions and make sense of what you’re feeling. Some helpful approaches include:
EMDR therapy: A powerful tool for processing grief and trauma (Learn more)
Cognitive-behavioral strategies: Helping you reframe loss in a way that fosters growth
Mindfulness techniques: Because sometimes, just getting through today is enough
Online therapy makes getting support easier than ever—schedule a consultation here to explore what works for you.
Taking the Next Step
Grief isn’t just about saying goodbye to people—it’s about adjusting to life’s many changes. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
Key Takeaways:
Grief isn’t just about death—it can come from job loss, breakups, or major life changes.
It often disguises itself as anxiety, depression, or feeling “off.”
Therapy (including EMDR) can help process these emotions and find relief.
Online therapy makes it easier to get support from anywhere.
If you’re struggling with a loss—big or small—visit Sara Wilper Therapy today to book a consultation. Your healing starts here.