Getting Past the Loss of a Pet

Losing a pet is akin to losing a family member. It is understandable that you will grieve, cry, and express complicated emotions associated with your loss. Though these reactions are to be expected, you may find it difficult to share these feelings with others. You may be left feeling as if others do not understand the intensity of your grief. In fact, others may even show insensitivity by saying “You can always get another pet.” This may cause grieving for a pet to not only be painful, but even possibly lonely as well. While grieving can be considered normal, prolonged grief can become complicated and lead to symptoms of depression. 

What Can Complicate Grief After the Loss of a Pet?

Mourning for the death of a cherished pet can mean so many things. You may actually be grieving several losses at the same time, such as:

  • The loss of a constant companion – Your pet may have been your best friend, the one you spent the most time with. The one who was your major sources of support and love, especially in times of sadness, depression, anxiety, or illness.
  • The loss of unconditional love – Animals have an all-accepting nature, uninhabited by concerns that plague humans. Unlike other relationships, your pet’s affection for you may not have been dictated by what they got in return. They may have loved and shared unconditionally.
  • The loss of a valued relationship – Regardless of the role that your pet assumed in your life, you lost a life you may have felt responsible for. Your pet may be the only creature that has seen your weaknesses and strengths. During those times, they may have provided you with security, comfort and stability.
  • The loss of routine – The death of a pet, especially if they have been with you for years, may means saying goodbye to established routines. It can completely change your activities and your lifestyle.

Along with the above changes, your grief may be accompanied by difficult emotions such as guilt, anger, denial and depression. You may find yourself fighting to get out of bed in the morning, having difficulty completing your daily tasks, experiencing sleep and appetite disturbance and even depressed mood. All the before mentioned complaints are symptoms of depression that you may need to address with a caring professional.

While all of these intense emotions may serve to complicate your grief, they can also provide a connection to the one you lost. While this may allow you to still feel close to them, it could potentially be causing you psychological distress.

How Can I Grieve the Loss of My Pet in a Healthy Way? 

Letting go of grief is not a betrayal to the one that has shown you love and devotion. Moving forward is not the same as forgetting and may even allow you to honor their memory more. Of course, you will always love your pet, though there is no need to make yourself feel worse after losing them. Instead, you may need to begin to work through your grief.

Allow Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC to help you process and work through your loss. Licensed, independently contracted counselors are available to offer their expertise and provide understanding to help you grieve in a health manner. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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