Notes from the Journey

When Friendships Change After Grief Why people drift, and why it hurts more than expected One of the less talked-about aspects of grief is how friendships change . You may notice fewer messages, less contact, or a quiet fading of connections you once relied on. These changes can be deeply painful, especially when you’re already grieving. Many people describe this as a secondary loss , one they didn’t anticipate and feel unsure how to talk about. At a Glance  This blog will explore: Why friendships often change after loss The emotional impact of social withdrawal Why this can feel like a second grief How counselling supports boundaries and connection A Question Clients Often Ask  “Why have people disappeared since my loss?” This question is often asked quietly, sometimes with disbelief or hurt. People may remember early messages of support that slowly faded, or friendships that seemed unable to hold grief for long. It’s common to wonder whether you’ve done so...

Who Am I in My Relationships After Loss?  Grief, identity and changing connections When loss reshapes how you see yourself, and how others see you After grief, many people quietly ask themselves: Who am I now? Just as often, another question follows: Who am I in my relationships now? You may feel unsure of your role with others, more sensitive to expectations, or uncertain how to show up at all. This can be deeply unsettling when others seem to expect the “old you” to return. At a Glance  This blog will explore: How grief can change identity within relationships Why relational roles feel uncomfortable after loss Common misunderstandings about “being yourself again” How counselling supports identity shifts A Question Clients Often Ask  “Why don’t I feel like myself in my relationships anymore?” This question often comes from people who notice a growing gap between how they used to show up with others and how they feel now. You might feel quieter, more guarde...

Why Relationships Can Feel So Different After Grief   Grief, loss and life transitions explained When you’ve changed on the inside, it makes sense that your relationships shift too Grief doesn’t just affect how you feel. It changes how you relate - to partners, friends, family, colleagues - and even yourself. Many people come to counselling feeling unsettled or quietly worried because relationships no longer feel the way they used to. Conversations feel harder. You might feel more sensitive, more distant, or more easily misunderstood. And on top of the loss itself, there’s a sense of disconnection that can feel deeply lonely. If this resonates, you’re not doing grief “wrong”. You’re responding to loss in a very human way. At a Glance  This blog will explore: Why grief can change relationships Common emotional responses after loss What’s often misunderstood about grief and connection How counselling can help you feel less alone A gentle self-care practice to sup...

Why January Can Feel Harder Than Expected When the decorations come down, the feelings don’t The contrast between festive gatherings and the quiet of January can be stark. After a period of celebration, loss feels louder. Memories of absent loved ones or unfulfilled expectations can resurface, making the first month of the year feel surprisingly heavy, flat, or emotionally bruising - like a hangover - but without the prosecco. While the world rushes toward “fresh starts” and “new year, new you,” many people are privately wondering why they feel tearful, disconnected, or oddly exhausted instead. At a Glance This blog will explore: • What the Holiday Hangover Effect actually is • Why January often amplifies grief, sadness, and emotional fatigue • How counselling can support you through this quieter, tender season • A gentle self-care idea that doesn’t involve resolutions or reinvention Understanding the Holiday Hangover Effect What’s happening emotionally and psychologically During the f...