10 Things About the First Year of Grief

The first year marks the first time you experience and do everything without the person you have lost. Traditionally, society believed that it gets easier after the first year. Some still believe this nowadays. The truth is that the challenging time post-loss is as individual as the bereaved themselves. Trust in your own time-line processing grief.

1. Shock and numbness

The very first phase of grief will most likely be spent in numbness from the shock. This is a protective way for the body to help you cope with the intensity.

2. Surviving

Living through the first phase of grief may not seem survivable. It may even seem as no relief to know other bereaved have walked this path before. It is survivable and it takes time and energy.

3. It is so painful

Just today I have been reminded of how to deal with pain. Experiencing physical pain today, I stayed in bed all day. Three different kinds of painkillers didn't change the physical pain I felt. All that was possible was to lie in bed, clutch a hot water bottle and breathe, slipping between lying awake and drowsy sleeping. Similar to this I remember the physical experience of grief.

4. Conserving energy

Three years post my loss; I still notice the need to conserve my energy. In the first year, I remember not being able to go out for anything else than the absolute necessary. It took me quite some time to engage in social activities again, let alone enjoy them. Take your time.

5. Accept help and find support

In my case, there was no choice but to accept the help that was generously offered. Friends brought meals, organized paper work, helped with errands. Let them help you, it also makes them feel that they at least can do something for you.

Also, find the most suitable support for you, whether that is group counseling, one-on-one therapy, talking to other bereaved parents in the community or talking to a friend. Most importantly, according to the suggestions of grieving parents in a survey, do it earlier than later.

6. The first year is the hardest

In my case, the first 18 to 24 months were rough. The time frame where grief is intense varies from person to person. Your time might be shorter or longer. It doesn't matter, it's no contest.

7. It's been a year

It is a myth that some people still believe that after a year the bereaved should be over the worst. Every bereaved person grieves differently, every lost person held a different place in people's heart. Allow yourself your own time.

8. Friendships will change

Friends become strangers and strangers become friends. Dealing with loss brings up everyone's own mortality and existential questions. This can be deeply unnerving. Some people will not be able to cope with this or believe 'you need time'. Remember their intention is mostly well meaning.

9. Be true to yourself

... even if this means disappointing another. The first year of grief uses a lot of vital energy. It has required me to focus on the essential and be true to my needs, more than I ever was before.

10. Crying is healthy

Crying is a way to release emotional stress. This is why babies and children do this a lot. As adults we have un-learned the benefit of taking time for yourself and releasing the pent-up emotional stress. Research has shown that tears vary in their composition. Tears from grief are healing.

Anything else you find important to mention about the first year of grief? Leave a comment below.

Want to know more? Have a look at my website.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Counselling & Coaching' and specialises in Relationship Transformation and Grief Support. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Meta Coaching, Transformational Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment. She is also the author of the forthcoming book 'Grieving Parents - Surviving Loss As A Couple'.

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