It’s a cliche to say that life is about the stories we tell ourselves—but there is a lot of truth to this one. How we understand things that happen to us and that happen around us is determined largely by the narratives we create and repeat to ourselves. How we understand the trajectory of our…

Loss can and often does change everything in our life, including our relationship with our family. Some of the changes are for the better, some are simply different but neutral and others are undeniably negative. In the years following a loss, family dynamics will continue to evolve—sometimes becoming more like they were before the loss,…

If you’re dealing with a death of a loved one, the idea of “moving on” can feel insulting. It’s a phrase often associated with a break-up and implies emotional distance. But after a major loss you will likely hear people talking about how you should move on. What does that mean, and is it even…

After a major loss it’s normal to find it hard to function for at least a short amount of time afterward. But even the most devastating loss can be an occasion for growth. For some people, the path towards resilience comes easily—usually people who both already had an optimistic mindset and who don’t see their…

We like to fix things, including ourselves. If you’ve recently experienced a loss, you might be wonder when you’ll feel “normal” again. There is a short and long answer to this question: Research does show that most people start to see ‘acute grief’ symptoms decrease around the six-month mark after their loved one’s death. The…