n life, people will encounter various experiences as they progress. One of these experiences includes experiencing the loss of a loved one. This experience is one everyone will experience at different points in their life, but it doesn’t make the grieving process any easier. It can be difficult to come to terms with such a loss when experiencing grief firsthand from a mental health standpoint.
To provide context, grief is defined as acute pain that accompanies loss. It can feel like grief is all-encompassing when it reflects what one loves. Grief isn’t only experienced concerning the loss of people close to you, but it can be compounded with feelings of guilt and confusion if it was a difficult relationship (Psychology Today, 2025, p. 1). This insight provides a basis for understanding grief and how a mixture of emotions can be present when making sense of losing a loved one. It can be a difficult process when going through the grieving process, regardless of whether your loved one was a person or a beloved pet. The pain from one’s loss can take a toll on one when making sense of this new change in their lives, especially if the loss was sudden or without a proper goodbye. It doesn’t matter at what stage of life or how many times you have experienced a loss; grief remains a difficult process to experience firsthand.
More specifically, the grieving process can manifest differently for everyone, concerning both physical symptoms and impacting one’s mental health. Some may experience physical symptoms related to cardiovascular and digestive health, as well as to their body’s ability to heal. There can be a range of physical symptoms triggered by grief, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded, etc. Being in a state of grief can also lead to elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone commonly associated with inflammation, high blood pressure, and blood sugar imbalances. This can result in one being more prone to experiencing illnesses and a resurgence of chronic issues that can result in a weakened immune system. On the other extreme, grief can influence one to make unhealthy decisions if choosing to use nicotine, caffeine, or making unhealthy eating habits that can lead to an array of problems (Balan, 2024, p. 3). Such symptoms are something to keep in mind when thinking of how grieving can have a great effect on one’s health.
Meanwhile, there can be symptoms pertaining to mental health when experiencing irregular sleeping patterns, withdrawing from social activities, being mentally inactive, etc. Behaviors of this nature can exacerbate symptoms of grief, which can further increase one’s isolation. This, in effect, can result in one developing depression or it becoming progressively worse (Balan, 2024, p. 2). Insight of this nature sheds light on how grief can manifest in various ways that can impact one on a deeper level. Grief isn’t something that only affects one on a surface level; it cuts deep when making sense of losing a loved one. It’s hard to process a loss when entering the grieving process, which looks different for everyone. Grief isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, which is important to emphasize when making sense of it for oneself.
The effects of grief that it can have on one can take a toll. It’s hard to put into words, let alone process, what life looks like moving forward after a loss. The time spent together with a loved one can make it difficult to think of life going on, even when they are not physically present. One needs time to process for themselves on their own time. There isn’t a proper way to grieve, nor a timeline. Grieving can take shape in a general pattern, but it differs from person to person and can take longer than many may anticipate. There’s a need to demonstrate patience and support for someone experiencing a profound loss (Dobrin, 2025, pp. 2-3).
Grieving is a process in itself that doesn’t have a definitive timeline or manner that looks universal for everyone. For some, grief can be rather straightforward or messy depending on the circumstances. Regardless, grieving should be respected for what it is. Grieving can be seen as a marathon, not to be hurried. Losing someone close to you is hard, especially when you have to learn to rebuild your life without them physically present. It’s a lifelong adjustment to make sense of this change (Cannon, 2023, pp. 5-6). Their presence isn’t forgotten; rather, it’s sorely missed as one adjusts to a new normal — something to keep in mind when understanding grief.
On that note, there needs to be more understanding for those experiencing grief, and more empathy when being there for them. It can be helpful for those grieving to have a support system that’s available to them without pressuring them to move on in life. Support that’s available to one, in whatever capacity best fits their needs at that point in time, can make a difference. The simple act of being present in an empathetic manner is something to keep in mind when offering support that can make one feel seen in a greater sense (Cannon, 2023, p. 5). Support that meets someone where they are in the grieving process, without pressure to move on with life, should be a given, not something that happens by chance. Grief can come in waves over an extended time or be a more straightforward process. Regardless, the ability to serve as a means of support while keeping one’s best interests in mind is worth noting.
It’s important to have support of this kind when grieving, as one navigates a new normal in a healthier way. Grieving can be a difficult process, but it can also offer space to make sense of this change in a more constructive way. By this, one can turn their grief into a more positive, healing experience by honoring their loved one. There are many ways to honor the life of a loved one and keep the connection and memories alive. Those who have passed aren’t forgotten when celebrating their presence and how they have impacted one’s life for the better (Tobin, 2022, pp. 3-4). Grief can be an opportunity to remember those who have passed in a meaningful way, keeping their memory alive. Turning one’s grief into something positive, such as volunteering for an organization that a loved one cared about, can provide immense support during the grieving process. Such an example of this nature provides comfort to one that their loved one is close to them and will continue to be part of their life.
Thus, grief can be a difficult process that comes with a variety of emotions when making sense of losing a loved one. Having means of support can go a long way toward adjusting to a new normal. For some, this support can provide immense comfort, inspiring them to honor their loved ones – the opportunities are endless. Grief doesn’t have to be an individual process; rather, it’s an opportunity to turn one’s pain into something constructive that honors one in a meaningful way.
~ Lauren Montoya
Lauren Montoya is a Southern California native with a background in sociology and liberal studies. Lauren is passionate about animal welfare, mental health, and the arts.
References
Balan, D. (2024, August 16). Grief’s Impact on the Body. Psychology Today.
Cannon, J. (2023, May 27). Experiencing Grief on One’s Own Terms. Psychology Today.
Dobrin, A. (2025, January 4). Help in Time of Grief. Psychology Today.
Psychology Today. (2025, November 12). Grief.
Tobin, K. (2022, July 17). How Embracing Grief Can Help Us Heal and Grow. Psychology Today.