Am I the only one who feels guilty for feeling peace after a death?

Many people experience a complex mix of emotions after a loss, and finding moments of peace or relief can feel unsettling. This isn't unusual, and it doesn't diminish your love or grief for the person who died. It often reflects the natural human capacity to adapt and find moments of respite, even amidst sadness.

Research into grief suggests that emotional responses after a loss are highly individual, with studies indicating that experiencing a range of emotions, including moments of peace, is common rather th

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Does everyone feel guilty for feeling peace after a death?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel guilty for feeling peace after a death?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to feel peace, or even relief, after someone dies?

Is It Weird?

Why do I feel guilty for feeling peace after a death?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

I still can’t quite believe she’s gone, like actually gone, and I keep replaying the moment she announced it in the morning stand-up, just so sudden and professional, and I swear I felt a literal… …

relief at loss

” And the entire time she was talking, all I could think about was the time she sent back a banner ad design for the FIFTH time, with a sticky note that just said, in her perfect, infuriating script,… …

relief at loss

I’m sitting on the floor right now, just staring at the empty takeout containers, and it's quiet for the first time in what feels like forever. …

relief at loss

ok so this is kinda messed up but the *relief* when they announced that mr. …

relief at loss

You know that feeling, that absolute SURGE of relief, when someone who's made every single day, every single day, a little bit worse just... …

relief at loss

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel relieved after someone dies?▾
Relief can stem from various factors, such as the end of prolonged suffering for the deceased, a cessation of caregiving duties, or the resolution of difficult family dynamics. These feelings are often intertwined with grief and do not negate your sadness.
Is it normal to feel happy after a funeral?▾
Moments of happiness or lightness after a funeral can occur as the immediate intensity of the event passes. This can be a natural emotional response as you move through the initial stages of loss, and it doesn't mean you're not grieving.
What if I don't cry after a death?▾
Grief manifests differently for everyone. Not crying doesn't indicate a lack of sadness or connection. Some people express their grief in other ways, such as through quiet reflection, physical activity, or by focusing on practical tasks.

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