Dealing with Grief – “Will I Ever Feel Normal Again?”

Grief can feel like a heavy blanket, one that doesn’t warm you but instead wraps you in sorrow. Some days it’s a slow ache. Other days, it hits like a tsunami of tears. If you've lost someone you deeply loved, and you’re wondering, "Will I ever feel normal again?" If so, you are not alone.

Let’s talk about it.

The truth is: life has changed, and it will be different. But here’s what else is true: you can and will get through this.

When someone we love dies, it shakes the very ground we stand on. Whether their death was sudden or came after a long illness, grief sets in. It brings with it a wave of emotions that can feel confusing, painful, and overwhelming.

Understanding the Process of Grief

You may have heard of the “stages” of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These aren’t steps on a straight path but rather emotional experiences that come in waves. You might feel one stage deeply one day, and shift into another the next.

For example, if your loved one passed suddenly, you might feel intense shock and disbelief. If their decline was slow and painful, you may be grieving not only the loss but also the long journey of watching them suffer.

No matter the circumstances, your grief is valid. There is no “right way” or set timeline to mourn.

What Grief Might Look Like for You

For some, grief means talking weekly about memories, replaying conversations, revisiting special moments, or thinking about the "what ifs." For others, it might look like finding moments of gratitude, or even admitting things you wish you had done differently.

Whatever your process looks like, the most important thing is this: give yourself permission to feel it. Share your thoughts with someone you trust. Don’t try to rush your healing. Grief is not something you get over; it’s something you learn to live with and eventually grow through.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you're looking for a safe place to talk, cry, remember, or simply be, I’m here. Grief is a journey, and you don’t need to walk it by yourself.

Reach out to me at shelley@karrelcounselling.com. Whether you need a shoulder to lean on or just someone to listen, I’m here to walk this path with you. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s take that next step together.