Mental Health Monday: Grief as Unexpressed Love

Grief, at its core, is love. It is the echo of all the feelings we have for someone or something that can no longer be expressed in the ways we once knew. When we lose someone-whether through death, separation, or a significant change-grief becomes the vessel that carries the unspent love we still feel. Far from a void, grief is often the fullest expression of love that has no place to go.

When we deeply love someone, our bond is filled with shared moments, dreams, and a sense of continuity. That love does not cease to exist when the relationship changes or ends; instead, it transforms. Grief emerges as the space where love persists, unfulfilled but still present. This is why grief can feel so heavy, it is love without its usual outlet.

For many, grief leads to a search for meaning, whether spiritual, philosophical, or personal. This quest can reveal the enduring presence of love in our lives, even in the face of profound loss. So, grief never truly vanishes as it becomes a companion like the ever-present movement of the tides. At times, it may fade into the background over time, it is an ever-present testament to the depth of our love. The more profound the connection, the deeper the grief.

So, grief in part, is unexpressed love. It is a reminder that our connections are powerful,

enduring, and transformative. While grief can feel like an unbearable weight, it is also a

profound reflection of what we cherish most. By embracing grief as a continuation of love, we allow ourselves to heal and find new ways to honor the bonds that have shaped us. Therefore, we never really move on from our losses, but we learn to move forward with them.