The Grief of Friendship Breakups and Moving Away

When we think of grief, we often think of losing a loved one through death. However, there are many other forms of grief that often go unrecognized. Moving to a new place or experiencing a friendship breakup can bring about a profound sense of loss, yet society rarely acknowledges these experiences as valid forms of grief.

It’s Nye on the blog – I’m here to assure you that you’re not alone in these feelings. As someone who moved over 20 times as a young teenager, I now realize that throughout these life transitions I was actually experiencing grief that I didn’t fully understand at the time.

I would love to explore the hidden grief associated with these life changes and offer a few strategies for coping. Keep reading or check out my YouTube video about life transitions.

The Emotional Toll of Moving

  1. Displacement Anxiety: Moving to a new place often triggers feelings of being ungrounded or disconnected.
  2. Loss of Familiarity: Leaving behind familiar places and routines can cause a sense of mourning for the lived you are used to.
  3. Grieving Community: The loss of a support network can lead to feelings of vulnerability and sadness.

 

 

Coping with Moving

  1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust: Moving is a big change. Be patient with yourself. It’s completely normal to feel homesick or out of place at first. Keep reminding yourself that it is going to take time to feel at home in a new space.
  2. Explore Your New Area: Exploring your new city and connecting with your community can help you feel adjusted. If you’ve just moved to the Spruce Grove area, try a walk along the Heritage Grove Trail or see a performance at Horizon Stage. You could also check out workout classes at the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre or visit the Spruce Grove Public Library to see what’s happening nearby. Trying new things will help you create daily routines and memories in your new environment.

The Impact of Friendship Breakups

  1. Emotional Weight: Losing a close friend can be as emotionally impactful as a romantic breakup.
  2. Loss of Shared History: The end of a friendship can mean losing someone who understands your past and shares your memories.
  3. Feeling Isolated: Friendship breakups often leave a void that can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

 

 

Coping with Friendship Breakups

  1. Allow yourself to grieve: Losing a close friendship is hard—give yourself space to process the loss. Journal about your feelings or talk to someone you trust to work through your emotions.
  2. Focus on other relationships: Spend time with family or other friends who uplift and support you. Leaning into these connections can remind you that you’re not alone. Spending time alone and focusing on your relationship with yourself is also very important and will make you feel more confident.
  3. Create opportunities for new connections: Friendship breakups open the door to meeting new people. Explore Spruce Grove’s social groups or join a hobby club that aligns with your interests. Small steps, like attending a local workshop can lead to meaningful new friendships.
  4. Reflect on what you’ve learned: Every relationship teaches us something. Journal about what you valued in your friendship and what you’d like to carry forward into future friendships. This reflection will help you grow and prepare for new, healthy relationships.

Final Thoughts

Understanding that these experiences involve grief is the first step toward healing. It’s essential to let yourself mourn these losses, just as you would any other. If you’re struggling, consider speaking with a therapist who can help you process these feelings. Please feel free to reach out to Dóchas at 780-446-0300 or info@dochaspsych.com. Book an in-person (Spruce Grove) or virtual (across Alberta) appointment with one of our therapists here.

A great resource to begin this journey is the book The Grief Recovery Handbook” by John W James and Russell Friedman, which offers practical advice on dealing with various types of loss.

About Dóchas Psychological

Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.

Disclaimer

Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.

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