Introduction
Grief feels like an unending storm. You may wake up wondering if the way you’re feeling is normal or if you’re somehow “stuck.” The truth is, grief doesn’t follow a fixed timeline. It ebbs and flows. But how do you know if you’re actually healing?
In this article, we’ll explore 7 signs that your grief is moving towards healing, backed by psychological research and real-life experiences.
🌱 1. You Can Talk About Your Loss Without Overwhelming Pain
In the early days of grief, even mentioning your loved one’s name can trigger tears or panic. Over time, if you find yourself able to share memories with sadness but without breaking down completely, it’s a sign your emotional wounds are beginning to integrate.
🌙 2. Your Sleep and Appetite Begin to Stabilise
Grief often disrupts basic routines. You may struggle with insomnia, vivid dreams, or loss of appetite. As healing progresses, your body starts regaining its natural rhythms. You sleep more deeply and eat regular meals again. As per researchers also restoration of biological functions is a sign of adaptation.
💭 3. You Have Moments of Joy or Guilt-Free Laughter
At first, smiling or laughing may feel impossible – or even wrong. Many grievers feel guilty for enjoying anything when their loved one is gone. Healing doesn’t mean you forget them; it means you begin to allow joy back into your life without guilt.
🔔 4. You Feel Less Anger or Regret
Anger and guilt are normal in grief. You may feel you could have done more, or anger at the situation or even at the deceased. As you heal, these intense emotions soften, and you begin to accept that certain things were beyond your control.
🌤️ 5. You Start Planning For the Future Again
In the depths of grief, thinking about tomorrow feels pointless. Healing brings a subtle shift towards future-oriented thinking, whether it’s planning a trip, resuming studies, or redecorating your room. This doesn’t erase your loss but shows you’re integrating it into your ongoing life.
🕯️ 6. Their Memory Brings Comfort, Not Just Pain
As grief heals, memories remain bittersweet but also bring warmth, pride, and comfort. You might find yourself smiling at old photos or cherishing their advice rather than only feeling pain. Research shows maintaining a healthy internal relationship with the deceased aids healing.
💛 7. You Feel Ready to Help Others in Grief
Many find that once they process their grief, they feel drawn to support others who are grieving – friends, family, or strangers. Sharing what helped you can be a powerful marker of your own growth and resilience.
💡 When to Seek Professional Help?
If your grief feels unbearable even after months, you’re unable to function in daily life, or have persistent thoughts of wanting to die (not just to join your loved one but to end your life), it may be complicated grief or depression. Seeking a grief counsellor or psychiatrist can help you process and heal safely.
📝 Final Thoughts
Grief is not about “moving on” but learning to live with loss while still finding meaning, purpose, and joy. If you see these signs in yourself, take a moment to acknowledge your courage and resilience. Healing is not linear, but each small sign shows that you’re gently rebuilding your life around the love you’ve lost.
Written by Dr. Bhumika Malik, Psychiatrist and founder of MyMindDiaries — where mental health meets real life, one honest post at a time.