When Anger Steps In: Navigating Grief’s Unseen Face

Have you ever felt really angry after losing someone you love? It's like your heart is on fire with frustration, and you don't know why. Well, that anger might be covering up something deeper – your grief for that loved one.

Grief is what we feel when someone we care about is no longer with us. It's a mix of sadness, missing them and sometimes even feeling lost without them. Grief can be really intense. It's like a storm of emotions that can be hard to handle all at once.

That's where anger comes in. Anger is like a shield we put up when grief becomes too much. It's easier to be mad than to admit we're hurting inside. Imagine your best friend moves away, and you feel like a part of you is missing. Instead of crying about it, you might get angry at other things – like the people around you. It's almost like your mind is saying, "Focus on being mad, not on how sad you are."

Anger can be helpful at first. It gives us a way to express our pain without feeling so vulnerable. But after a while, that anger starts to fade, and what's left? The heartache, sadness and emptiness we were trying to avoid.

It's like a big puzzle. At first, the anger piece fits perfectly, but as time goes on, you realise there's more to the puzzle. The missing piece is the grief you're feeling deep down.

So, how can we put this puzzle together? First, remember that it's okay to feel sad when you lose someone you love. Sadness is a natural part of grief and saying goodbye. If you find yourself feeling angry, take a moment to think: "Is there something deeper I'm not facing?"

Talking about your feelings can really help too. Share your thoughts with someone you trust – a family member, friend, or a counsellor. They might help you understand your anger and uncover the grief hiding beneath.

And if you know someone who's acting angry after losing a loved one, be patient with them. They might not even realise they're covering up their grief. Let them know you're there to listen if they want to talk.

In the end, anger and grief are like two sides of a coin. Anger might try to protect us from the heavy weight of grief, but it's important to acknowledge both. By understanding this connection, we can start to heal. It's like taking off a mask and showing the world our true feelings. As we embrace our grief and let go of the anger, we give ourselves a chance to remember our loved ones and find comfort in the memories we shared.


© Stacy Ismael

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