As someone who has lost a loved one, I understand how it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You may experience a wide range of emotions, from sadness and despair to anger and frustration. But, let me tell you, it’s okay to feel angry after losing someone. Here’s why:

Acknowledging Your Feelings:

Suppressing your emotions can have negative impacts on your mental health. It is important to acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to process your emotions, even if it’s anger. Anger is a natural part of the grieving process and allows you to express your pain.

A sad person sitting alone with their head down and a thought bubble with hearts and broken hearts around it.

The Stages of Grief:

It’s important to remember that grieving is a process and everyone goes through it differently. Knowing the different stages of grief, including anger, can help normalize the feelings you are experiencing. Anger is a sign that you are moving through the process of grief.

A person sitting with their legs crossed and eyes closed, surrounded by symbols of the stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

It’s Normal:

Feeling angry after losing someone is a normal and healthy response to a traumatic event. It is important to remember that everyone experiences different emotions and in their own way. Do not let anyone tell you how you should feel or how long it should take you to move on from your loss.

A cartoon of a person with their hands held up shrugging and wide open eyes, with a speech bubble saying "It's normal"

Anger is Temporary:

Anger is a temporary feeling, and while it may be intense, it will eventually dissipate. It is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and ride through them. It may be helpful to talk to a therapist or family and friends about what you are feeling.

A person sitting on a bench alone with their eyes closed, a thought bubble with a storm cloud and lightning, and a speech bubble saying "Let it pass."

Moving Forward:

While it is healthy to feel anger, it is important to not let it consume you. Focusing on positive memories and engaging in activities that you enjoy can help you move forward in a positive direction. You will find that as time passes, your anger will begin to subside, and you can start to heal.

A cartoon of a person standing on a mountain top with their arms wide open, with a speech bubble saying "Keep moving forward."

Conclusion

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and feeling angry is a normal and natural part of the grieving process. It is important to remember that everyone grieves differently and it’s important to allow yourself time to process your emotions. Remember, it is okay to feel angry after losing someone, but it is also important to not let it consume you. With time and self-care, you can begin to heal and move forward.

A cartoon of a person lying down with a thought bubble of a heart, a broken heart, and the phrase "It's okay to feel angry."