The Lifetime Emotions and Feelings Associated With Loss

A resident of Haverhill, Massachusetts, Darcy Cardarelli holds a BA in psychology from Dartmouth College and has past experience guiding a financial and payroll software company. Darcy Cardarelli is launching the website alwayshaveheart.com, which will feature inspiring stories about topics such as battling cancer and overcoming the loss of a loved one.

A Psychology Today article states that getting over a loved one’s loss through a mourning period is in some ways a myth. Rather than seeking closure, one should accept that emotions of sadness and longing occur repeatedly as life progresses without the family member or friend. These triggering moments often take place on anniversaries, birthdays, and other moments throughout the year that cause pause and reflection. 

One common plateau that causes reflection is reaching the same age as the person was when he or she passed away. This may accompany a sense of guilt that one will continue living for years that the loved one was not able to attain. This emotional reaction is something to be accepted, if not embraced, as part of the lifelong progression of coming to terms with loss.