Missing our loved ones can be one of the most difficult aspects of life. There are so many emotions that come along with this kind of loss, and coping with them can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or a romantic partner, the level of grief can be profound.

 We may feel vulnerable and confused; regretful and longing for what used to be. Missing someone is completely normal. We are all emotionally connected with the people we care about, and when someone we love passes away or moves away, it can be hard to accept their absence. Grief is an individual experience and there’s no fixed timeline for when we should expect to feel better. It takes time to accept the reality of our loss, start to heal, and learn to move forward. The first step to dealing with our emotions is to allow ourselves to feel them.

 We don’t have to push our feelings away, or pressure ourselves to move on quickly. It’s important to take the time to grieve, as this helps us to honor our relationship with the person we miss, and can be a critical part of the healing process. The next step is to find healthy ways to cope with our feelings. This might include talking with friends and family, or spending time with people who make us feel supported.

 Exercise, art, journaling, reading, or listening to music can all be great outlets for processing our emotions. Pouring our energy into something positive can help us to find a sense of purpose and connectedness. It’s also important to attend to our physical wellbeing, as taking care of ourselves can play a role in supporting our mental health. When we feel stuck in a cycle of sadness and despair, it can be helpful to reach out for professional support. 

A counsellor or therapist can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to share our thoughts and feelings. They may suggest strategies to help us cope, or guide us through more meaningful conversations about our loss. It’s also helpful to remember that we are far from alone in our experience of grief. Even if we don’t know anyone personally, there are support networks and organisations, that provide comfort for all those going through the same thing.

 Knowing that there are others out there who understand can help to give us strength, and remind us that we are not alone in our pain. Finally, we may find solace in the idea that although a loved one has gone, their memories remain.

 Making an effort to connect with the parts of them that we want to keep alive can give us a sense of peace. This might include visiting a place they loved, reminiscing about happy times, or creating a tribute that encompasses their personality and values. 

Missing someone is never easy, and it will take time to adjust to their absence. But with patience and self-compassion, we can learn to accept our new reality and continue to live a life filled with meaning and joy.