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DALL·E 2024-08-28 07.02.04 - An inspiring background representing the journey towards ment
Writer's pictureHendry Kooistra

The Impact of Loss on Mental Health and How to Draw Strength from Grief


Although I have endured many blows in life, this one might have been the final blow. Suddenly, my mother passed away during the most turbulent time in the world. Everything came to a standstill, or was it chaos? Intense emotions and sorrow? Or could I even feel this so quickly? I was merely existing, with so much to arrange. There was no time to think, but I felt an immense sense of strength rising within me. The strength of my mother would live on in me; I just had to discover how to use it.


The Invisible Weight of Loss


Loss is more than just the physical absence of a loved one; it is a mental burden that continually accompanies you. For many, myself included, the loss of someone dear can turn the world upside down and leave a wave of invisible wounds behind. These wounds reveal themselves in subtle, often unnoticed ways. You feel lost, trapped in your own thoughts, as the world around you slowly takes on a different meaning. Initially, people express their sympathy and support, but over time, the world seems to move on, while you are left with deep, invisible scars that still cut into your soul.

In the days and weeks following my mother's death, I felt as though I had lost myself. It was as if a part of my identity had died with her. Anxiety and uncertainty took hold, and I began to realize just how deep the impact of grief truly was. It wasn’t just sadness; it was an overwhelming sense of abandonment and confusion.


Strength in the Chaos


Yet, amidst all that chaos and pain, there was an unexpected source of strength. It was as if my mother was still with me in some way, giving me the strength to carry on. It felt strange, almost contradictory, to feel such strength during a period of weakness. But I knew that this was her final gift to me: the strength not just to survive but to grow.

It took some time before I learned to recognize and use this strength. I began to understand that grief is not just a process of letting go but also of holding on again. Holding on to what is important, what is valuable, and what defines you as a person. The memory of my mother became a compass that guided me through the dark times.


Practical Ways to Draw Strength from Grief

Finding strength in grief is not an easy task, but it is possible. Here are a few strategies that helped me:


  1. Show Your Vulnerability: It’s okay to feel vulnerable. Expressing your emotions, whether it’s sadness, anger, or confusion, can be liberating and helps in processing your loss.

  2. Surround Yourself with Support: Find comfort in friends and family. Sharing memories and feelings with others can help you feel connected, even in times of deep grief.

  3. Avoid Self-Isolation: While it might be tempting to retreat into your own world, try to stay in touch with the outside world. Walking, exercising, and even hobbies can help you stay mentally healthy.

  4. Remember and Celebrate: Instead of focusing solely on the loss, try to remember and celebrate the beautiful moments you shared with your loved one. This can help you find the strength to move forward.

  5. Seek Professional Help: Sometimes the pain is too great to bear alone. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor who can guide you through the grieving process.


Conclusion


Grief is a complex and painful process, but it is also a path to growth and transformation. By acknowledging your loss and taking the time to process it, you can eventually find the strength to move forward. The strength I found in my grief has helped me not only to survive but to come back stronger.



From the passing of my mother, my mission was born: to help people with both physical and mental challenges, and to empower them to reclaim the strength in their lives. This does not come from a business perspective, but from pure passion and sincerity. Unfortunately, mental health services and other healthcare professionals are overwhelmed, leaving many people without the help they need. That’s why I want to be there for you! And no, I’m not a guru who charges a fortune for a better life. I want to live my mission, and I believe that this help should be accessible to everyone.

me & mom

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