Let’s talk about something real—grief. It’s one of the toughest things to go through, but it’s also something everyone experiences at some point. Maybe you’ve lost a pet, a friend, or a family member. Or maybe you’re dealing with the end of a relationship, a friendship, or even your parents’ divorce. Whatever the loss is, grief can hit hard, and it’s okay to feel all the emotions that come with it.

This week, I lost my dog, and the grief I felt inspired me to write this post. Here’s what you need to know about grief, why it’s important to face it, and how to get through it.

What Is Grief?

Grief is how we react to losing something or someone important to us. And it’s not just about death—it can be about anything that ends or changes your life in a big way. A breakup? That’s grief. Losing a best friend? That’s grief too. It’s about the emotional space left behind when something you care about is no longer there.

Grief isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can feel like sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief. Sometimes it comes in waves—one minute you’re okay, and the next, it’s all too much. That’s normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Grief is deeply personal, and everyone’s journey through it looks different.

Why Grief Is Normal (Even If It Sucks)

Here’s the thing: grief isn’t something to ignore or run from. It’s part of being human. When you grieve, you’re processing the loss and making sense of what it means for your life. It’s not easy, but it’s important.

Grief helps you:

• Understand Your Emotions: 

It teaches you how to handle big feelings, which is a skill you’ll use your whole life. When you let yourself feel your emotions fully, you’re learning to recognize and name them, which can help you handle other tough situations in the future.

• Build Resilience: 

Learning to navigate tough times makes you stronger for the future. Each time you face and overcome grief, you’re adding to your toolbox of coping skills. This resilience helps you handle challenges that life will inevitably throw your way.

• Appreciate What You Had: 

Grieving something means it mattered to you, and that’s a beautiful thing. It’s a reminder of the love, connection, or joy that person, relationship, or experience brought to your life.

How to Cope With Grief (Because It’s Hard, But You Can Do It)

You don’t have to deal with grief alone. Here are some ways to help yourself through it:

1. Feel All the Feels 

Whatever you’re feeling—sad, mad, confused—it’s valid. Let yourself cry, vent, or even scream into a pillow if you need to. Grief doesn’t have to look a certain way. Some people cry, some get quiet, and some throw themselves into activities. However you process your feelings is okay, as long as you’re not hurting yourself or others.

2. Talk About It 

Find someone you trust—a parent, a friend, a teacher, or even a therapist—and let them know what’s going on. Saying things out loud can help you make sense of your feelings. You might feel awkward at first, but once you start, you may find that sharing lightens the emotional load.

3. Honor What You’ve Lost 

Create a way to remember what you’re grieving. Write a letter, make a playlist, draw something, or even just think about your favourite memories. For example, if you lost a pet, you might create a scrapbook of your favourite photos with them. If it’s a friendship that ended, you could write down the good times you shared and what you’ve learned from the experience. These acts can help you feel connected to what you’ve lost and give you a sense of closure.

4. Take Care of Yourself 

Grief can be exhausting. Make sure you’re eating, sleeping, and doing things that help you feel okay—even if that’s just watching your favourite show or going for a walk. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about giving yourself the basics and a little kindness while you heal. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed to do even that, ask someone you trust for help.

5. Know That It Takes Time 

There’s no deadline for grief. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself as you heal. It’s normal to feel like you’re doing better one day and then feel knocked down by a memory or reminder the next. Healing isn’t about forgetting—it’s about learning to live with the loss in a way that feels manageable.

6. Ask for Help If You Need It 

If grief is making it hard to get through your day, reach out to someone. A school counsellor, a therapist, or a support group can make a huge difference. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who’s not directly involved in your life because they can offer a neutral perspective and tools to help you cope.

Why You Shouldn’t Bottle It Up

It might be tempting to push your feelings down and pretend everything’s fine, but that usually backfires. Ignoring grief can make it come out in other ways, like stress, anxiety, or anger. Dealing with your feelings now—even if it’s hard—is way better for you in the long run. Think of it like this: grief is like a wound. If you ignore it, it doesn’t heal properly and can hurt more later. If you take care of it, even though it stings, it eventually gets better.

You’re Stronger Than You Think

Grief isn’t just about feeling sad; it’s about learning, growing, and finding your way forward. It’s okay to ask for support and take things one step at a time. You’ve got this.

And remember: grief means you cared deeply about something or someone. That’s a reflection of your strength and your capacity to love. Even though it hurts, that’s something to be proud of. Love and loss go hand in hand, and your ability to feel both is what makes you beautifully human.

If you’re dealing with grief right now, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel everything you’re feeling. And it’s okay to take the time you need to heal. You’ve got people who care about you, and they’re here to help when you’re ready.