Coping with Grief and Loss: Tips from a Michigan Therapist

Grief touches every part of life, even in ways we never would have expected. Whether your loss is recent or something you have carried quietly for years, you may find yourself trying to make sense of emotions that seem to shift from moment to moment. At Being Human Group, we believe that grief is not a problem to solve, rather it is something that you learn to live with. You deserve space, compassion, and guidance as you navigate this deeply human experience. 

What Grief Really Is

Grief is a natural response to loss that impacts every part of us- emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The pain following a loss may feel overwhelming at times and may take form in a range of emotions. One may feel angry, shocked, guilty, in disbelief and profound sadness. People often expect grief to follow a neat set of stages, but the truth is that the process is nonlinear. Some days may be easier, and you may feel grounded, but other days waves of emotions may hit unexpectedly. All these reactions are normal and there is no specific timeframe to grieving. Healing takes time and happens gradually, so it is important to be patient with yourself. 

Common Experiences in Grief 

There is no right or wrong way to grief. Everyone’s journey is unique; however, many people share experiences such as:

• Emotional Changes: sadness, anger, guilt, numbness
• Physical Symptoms: fatigue, appetite changes, trouble sleeping, lowered immunity 
• Cognitive Effects: difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness
• Social Withdrawal: a desire to be alone or trouble connecting with others 
• Spiritual Questions: searching for meaning, feeling disconnected

Five Stages of Grief 

Grief is a roller coaster full of ups and downs. The Five Stages offer a helpful language for understanding common grief experiences, but they do not define how grief should unfold. If you or a loved-on experience these emotions know that this is natural, and healing will come with time. Not everyone who grieves will go through these five stages, and that is okay. Some emotions may repeat, overlap, or appear in different forms over time. Grieving looks different for everyone. 

1. Denial 
   • Can act as a protective buffer when feelings of grief are too overwhelming. 
   • People may think “this can’t be real”. 
   • Some feel numb or disconnected. 
2. Anger
   • When the initial shock fades away, pain often gives way to anger. 
   • Anger is a natural expression of hurt and the sense of unfairness that loss brings. 
   • Some feel frustration and irritation. 
   • People may blame others or even themselves.  
3. Bargaining
   • Generally marked by “what if” thoughts. 
   • This is an attempt to make sense of what has happened. 
   • Some may obsess over past actions or decisions. 
4. Depression
   • The deep reality of loss sets in. 
   • This is not a sign of weakness, rather a response to losing something or someone meaningful. 
   • People may experience crying, persistent sadness, withdrawal, lack of motivation. 
5. Acceptance
   • A place of acknowledging reality and finding a way to live with it. 
   • People begin to integrate the loss into their life story and discover ways to move forward. 

Healthy Ways to Cope

There is no quick fix for grieving, but there are supportive ways to care for yourself during this time. 

• Allow Yourself to Feel
• Acknowledging what you feel is an important part of healing. 
• It is okay to cy, express anger, or feel nothing at all. 
• Stay Connected 
• Grief can be isolating and reaching out to family and friends can soften this burden. 
• Small moments of connection matter. 

• Maintain Gentle Routines 
• Structure can help when everything feels unpredictable.
• Simple habits like eating regular meals, taking daily walks, and practicing mindfulness can bring balance into your life. 
• Honoring What You Loss
• Finding ways to remember can help you maintain a meaningful connection while still moving forward. 
• Writing a letter, creating a memory box, holding a ritual.

• Seek Support When You Need Help 
• You do not have to navigate grief on your own. 
• A therapist offers a safe and nonjudgmental space to process through these complicated emotions and rebuild a sense of stability in your life. 

You Are Not Alone 

Grief changes us, but it does not have to define us. With support, compassion, and time it is possible to carry your loss with greater peace and continue building a meaningful life. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing grief, our expert Michigan therapists are here to help. Reach out when you are ready, and we will walk this path with you. 

Resource: Smith, Robinson, & Segal. (2025). Coping with grief and loss: Stages of grief and how to heal. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss  

About Our Michigan Therapists

The expertly trained and compassionate therapists at Being Human Group are licensed mental health professionals offering affirming, trauma-informed care to clients across Michigan through in-person sessions in Plymouth and Grosse Ile and convenient online therapy statewide. Our team brings advanced training and lived awareness in areas like trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ mental health, relationship concerns, and life transitions, all grounded in a Health at Every Size and anti-oppressive, queer-affirming lens.  ​

When you reach out for a consultation about therapy, you are matched with a therapist whose background, specialties, and style align with your goals so you can access both practical tools for right now and deeper healing for long-term change. When you're ready, reach out and take the next step toward a more grounded, authentic life.