Types of Loss You Might Not Recognise as Grief
When we think of grief, our minds often go straight to the loss of a loved one. However, there are many other types of loss that can evoke the same sorrow, yet they often go unrecognised as grief at all. It’s crucial to acknowledge these losses, because they can profoundly affect our emotional wellbeing. Here’s a look at some of them.
Common Types of Loss
- Divorce
- Parental Alienation
- Pregnancy loss
- Relationship breakdown
- Family relationships
- Loss of friendships
- Loss of community
- Loss of religion/faith
- Loss of trust (others & self)
- Career/job
- Finances
- Health (mental/physical)
- Independence
- Home/moving out of area.
- Empty Nester
- Pet loss
- Loss of dream(s)
- Loss of possessions
- Loss of Confidence
- Loss of Clarity
- Loss of identity
And so much more.
I work with clients across all of these different types of loss. In fact, 100% of us will experience multiple forms of loss, that’s simply part of life. However, the clients I work with do not always recognise these as loss or grief, until they do. This is sometimes called disenfranchised grief, a term coined by psychologist Kenneth Doka to describe grief that isn’t openly acknowledged or socially supported, and The Loss Foundation has written more on what it means and why it matters. Once a client makes that connection, the validation washes over their face. I can feel their nervous system beginning to feel safe, not comfortable, but safe. They feel seen, heard, loved, validated, and connected.
Have You Experienced Any of These Types of Loss?
If you’ve been through any of these losses and feel stuck, as though you’re in quicksand, with feelings of hopelessness or that there’s no way out, you might not have connected the dots yet. But if you’re starting to wonder whether this is why you feel “off,” like something needs to change, this is exactly where grief coaching can help. Please reach out, because this is my zone of genius!
Frequently Asked Questions
Many life experiences can trigger grief even without a death. Common examples include divorce or relationship breakdown, pregnancy loss, loss of a career or financial security, loss of health or independence, loss of friendships or community, and loss of identity, confidence, or clarity. If a life change has left you feeling a similar sorrow to bereavement, it’s worth recognising it as a genuine type of loss.
Disenfranchised grief is a term coined by psychologist Kenneth Doka to describe grief that isn’t openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly supported. It often shows up after losses that others don’t recognise as significant, such as a pregnancy loss, a pet, a friendship, or a career, which can leave the person grieving alone rather than supported.
Yes. Grief is a natural response to any significant loss, not only death. Divorce, job loss, loss of identity, and other major life changes can all trigger genuine grief, and that grief deserves the same care and support as any other.
If you feel stuck, hopeless, or like something has shifted and you can’t quite name why, it may be grief connected to a type of loss you haven’t yet recognised as such. Naming the loss is often the first step towards feeling seen, validated, and able to move forward.
I would love for you to share this with someone who would benefit.
