Similes and Metaphors
People who talk about their grief often use similes and metaphors to describe their experience. “Grief is like being on an emotional roller coaster.” “Grief is like being in the ocean, and waves of sadness wash over me.” “Grief is a mountain to scale.” “Grief is shattering.”
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They also use examples of physical injury to express the experience of loss. They may feel their grief as a deep wound that requires time to heal. A wound implies that as it heals, the pain of grief will lessen and end. Yet for many, grief is an experience that does not end.
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I also hear the bereaved say their grief feels like the loss of a limb, which suggests that bereaved people must live their lives with a part of themselves always missing.
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Find words and images that describe your grief experience. Use them to help you navigate your way in this uncharted territory of loss.
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CLICK HERE to purchase a copy of my book “Getting Grief Right.”
Getting Grief Right
by Dr. Patrick O'Malley
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A masterpiece that will touch your heart and soul with healing powers. • A compassionate, wise, and practical guide • A must read for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
DR. PATRICK O’MALLEY
Grief Therapist
Dr. Patrick O’Malley is a psychotherapist in Fort Worth, Texas, who specializes in grief counseling. For 40 years, he has counseled individuals, couples and families
in his private practice.
AS SEEN IN THE:
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Getting Grief Right
by Dr. Patrick O'Malley
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By the time Mary came to see me, six months after losing her daughter to sudden infant death syndrome, she had hired and fired two other therapists. She was trying to get her grief right...
