Grief Beyond Death: Understanding Loss in All Its Forms

Mackenzie Broomfield
16 hours ago
2 min read

"Grief is not just about death; it is about loss." ~ Mackenzie Broomfield, BSW, RSW, CELD

When people hear the word grief, they often think immediately of death. While bereavement is a profound and life-altering loss, grief extends far beyond the death of a loved one.

Loss shows up in many ways throughout our lives — often quietly, sometimes suddenly — and it can shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.

The Many Faces of Grief

Grief can arise when something meaningful is taken away, changes unexpectedly, or never comes to be. This may include:

The end of a relationship or friendship
Divorce or separation
Infertility, pregnancy loss, or complicated parenthood journeys
Loss of health, mobility, or ability
Career changes, job loss, or retirement
Cultural disconnection or identity shifts
Migration, displacement, or loss of community
A version of the future you once imagined

These experiences may not be publicly recognized as “grief,” yet they can carry the same emotional weight as bereavement.

Why Non-Death Grief Often Goes Unrecognized

Non-death losses are frequently minimized — by others and by ourselves. People may hear phrases like:

“At least no one died.”
“You should be over it by now.”
“Others have it worse.”

When grief isn’t acknowledged, it can feel isolating. Many people begin to question their own reactions or feel shame for struggling. But grief does not require permission or comparison. If something mattered, its loss matters.

How Grief Can Show Up

Grief is not linear, and it does not follow a set timeline. It may appear as:

Sadness, anger, numbness, or guilt
Anxiety or a sense of uncertainty
Changes in sleep, appetite, or concentration
A loss of meaning or identity
Feeling “stuck” or disconnected

These responses are not signs of weakness — they are human responses to change and loss.

Making Space for Your Grief

At Inua Counselling & Support Services, we recognize that grief deserves care, whether or not it involves death. Making space for grief means:

Naming losses without minimizing them
Understanding how culture, identity, and lived experience shape grief
Moving at a pace that feels safe and respectful
Supporting meaning-making, not “moving on”

Grief work is not about erasing pain. It is about learning how to carry loss in a way that allows for connection, compassion, and growth.

Grief Beyond Death - You Are Not Alone

If you are grieving something that feels invisible or hard to explain, you are not alone — and your experience is valid. Support can help you understand your grief, tend to it gently, and find steadier ground in the midst of change.

If you would like to explore grief counselling or learn more about support for non-death grief, Inua Counselling is here to walk alongside you.