Grief and Trauma | When Loss Is More Than Just Sadness

Grief means longing for something or someone who is no longer with us. But sometimes, this loss happens suddenly, painfully, or frighteningly, turning into “trauma”. This is like losing a loved one in an accident or witnessing a scene that the mind cannot process.

In such situations, the mind doesn’t just feel sad; it becomes terrified. The body goes into a defensive state, sleep is disrupted, sudden memories return, and the person may feel as if they are still stuck in the moment of the event.

Trauma can make grief more complex. A person might not be able to mourn because they are still trapped in shock or fear. Sometimes, feelings of guilt, anger, or injustice prevent healthy grieving.

So What Should Be Done?
The first step is to accept your feelings, even if they are painful. The next is to find a safe space to talk, cry, or even be silent. Psychotherapists can help these complex emotions open up, find meaning, and gradually give way to peace.

Grief and trauma are not the end. Sometimes, these very experiences can be the beginning of growth, a deeper self understanding, and building a new relationship with life.