Does the Sadness from Grief Ever Go Away?

“There’s a distinction between grief and sadness. For most of us grief fades over time. But sadness? I don’t know if that ever goes away. Or if it should.”  Army Wives episode,  grief counselor

Do you think this is true?

• Definition of Grief : deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement; a cause of such suffering
• Definition of sadness: feeling associated with sorrow or unhappiness; somber;

I know after I’ve worked through profound periods of grief (divorce, death of my parents, working through abuse, parenting issues) a deep sadness has taken its place.

And from time-to-time that sadness grips me deeply and unannounced.

• I am sad because of the unwanted long-term changes that resulted.
• I am sad because I am different – and sometimes I don’t like that difference.
• I am sad, unhappy, and somber because life didn’t work out the way I thought.

When I start thinking these types of thoughts too much, I start to spiral emotionally. So there are things I do to stop this spiral of unhappiness.

• I remind myself that God is enough. And.I plan what I’ll do to show that in my life (review my activities, thoughts, relationships).
• I choose to be grateful.
• I surround myself with uplifting music.
• I spend time in prayer because I KNOW it impacts me.
• I make sure my life is not on auto-pilot and figure out if it is time to pursue some more wishes.
• I review who I’ve been around and decide if I need to delete folks and/or add to my support system. Maybe join a Bible study, exercise group, or book club?

I don’t know if sadness will always be with me (from the losses I’ve had). But I do know I will make it because I have the support of God, others, and even myself. And that I will be a better person because of this process.

Your Turn . . . 

• What’s your experience? Does the sadness from grief ever go away?
• How do you handle this sadness when it seems to overwhelm you?

Related Posts . . .  Grief Table of Contents

• 4 Ways Grief Has Changed My Beliefs
• Grief Affects Behaviors, Feelings, Thoughts (Including Memory), & Body
• Sending Thanks to Someone Going Through Grief – Gratitude Project