Understanding the Many Types of Loss
We often think of grief as something that follows the death of a loved one — but grief can follow any significant loss. In fact, there are more than 40 different types of loss we may experience in our lifetime, each with the potential to impact our emotional, mental, and even physical wellbeing.
Grief is the natural and normal reaction to loss. Whatever your loss looks like, if it’s affecting you, then it’s valid — and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Some of the Most Common (and Often Overlooked) Losses Include:
Death of a Loved One
Bereavement may be the most recognized type of grief — whether it’s the loss of a partner, parent, friend, child, or other loved one.
Divorce or Relationship Breakdown
The end of a relationship can bring overwhelming feelings of sadness, rejection, or even identity loss. You may also grieve the future you thought you'd have.
Loss of a Pet
Our animal companions are family. Their loss can leave an enormous gap, often misunderstood or minimized by others.
Fertility Loss, Miscarriage or Baby Loss
Whether you’ve experienced infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss — this kind of grief is deeply personal, and often invisible to others.
Menopause and Identity Shifts
The emotional changes tied to menopause are real. It's not just a biological transition, but often a grief process around youth, identity, and future dreams.
Children and Teenagers Grieving
Grief in children and teens looks different than in adults. They may not have the words, but they feel the loss deeply and need safe ways to express it.
Sobriety and Recovery
Letting go of an addictive substance or lifestyle can involve grieving who you were, or how you used to cope, even while moving toward healing.
Loss of Health or Mobility
A diagnosis, chronic illness, or injury can bring about grief for the life you once had — or the one you hoped to live.
Job Loss or Retirement
A role that gave you purpose, structure, or connection can be difficult to let go of, even when the change was planned.
Financial Loss or Change in Circumstances
Grief can follow a loss of income, home, or security — especially when it affects your sense of safety or identity.
Relocation or Cultural Loss
Moving away from your country, culture, or community can bring homesickness and a sense of disconnection that’s rarely acknowledged as grief.
Loss Due to Suicide
Grieving a loved one who has died by suicide can be especially complex, often bringing guilt, unanswered questions, and deep sorrow. This type of loss can feel incredibly isolating and difficult to speak about.
Loss of a Child (at Any Age)
Whether your child was young or grown, this grief cuts deeply. As parents, we expect to outlive our children — their loss often defies all sense of order.
Loss of a Friend
Friendships can be lifelong sources of love and support. Losing a friend, through death or estrangement, can bring profound and lasting grief.
Children Leaving Home
Even when it’s a joyful milestone, the "empty nest" can leave a sense of sadness, loneliness, or questioning of purpose.
Loss of Friendships
Friendships may end gradually or abruptly, and their loss can be as painful as a romantic breakup — particularly when they were deeply rooted in shared history.
Loss Due to Domestic Violence
Grief can follow the loss of safety, trust, or identity when escaping a violent relationship. This type of loss is layered with trauma and often goes unrecognized.
This is Just the Beginning...
There are so many other losses we can grieve, some intangible:
Loss of faith or spiritual connection
Loss of confidence
Loss of trust
Loss of safety after trauma
Empty nest
Loss of dreams or goals
Estrangement from family
Identity loss following caregiving, parenting, or major life change
Loss of control
Each of these losses deserves space, support, and understanding. I am here to listen and to talk….
Book a free 30-minute complimentary call
Costs:
1 hour @ £55 payable in advance or at time of session
7 x 1 hour Sessions £350 booked in advance
Email
julie@lossandgriefsupport.co.uk
Phone
+44 (0) 7977 777 306