<h1>Is it weird to feel a sudden wave of sadness years after a death?</h1>

Experiencing intense sadness long after someone has passed away is a common part of human grief. These waves can be triggered by a memory, a date, or even nothing at all, and they don't diminish the love you held for that person. It simply means that your connection and the impact of their absence continue to be a part of your life.

Research suggests that for many people, grief can resurface intensely for 5-10 years, and sometimes longer, after a significant loss.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who feels a sudden wave of sadness years after a death?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone feel a sudden wave of sadness years after a death?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel a sudden wave of sadness years after a death?

Is It Normal?

Why do I feel a sudden wave of sadness years after a death?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

it’s 2 AM, and the workshop is cold, and the house feels even colder. …

unresolved grief

because I still pay for someone's phone plan, like, even though they're not here anymore and I text it every day, like about my classes and the stupid drama at my internship, and it's just so much… …

unresolved grief

It’s been ingrained since I was barely out of my teens, that whole "mission first" mentality. …

unresolved grief

like still a fucking museum of his old soccer trophies and his dirty laundry from when he was 16 or something—it's been like that for YEARS. …

unresolved grief

Every year, same day, same time more or less, I buy a baby blanket. …

unresolved grief

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I suddenly feel sad about a death from years ago?▾
Grief isn't linear; it often resurfaces unexpectedly. Triggers like anniversaries, familiar places, or even new life events can bring back strong feelings of loss, even long after the initial bereavement period.
Is it normal to still cry about someone who died a long time ago?▾
Yes, it's very normal. Crying is a natural human response to deep emotion, and it doesn't have an expiration date when it comes to the loss of someone significant. These tears show the lasting impact they had.
What does it mean if my grief feels worse years later?▾
Sometimes, the initial shock and immediate demands after a death can delay the full impact of grief. As life settles, or as new challenges arise, older losses can resurface with renewed intensity, indicating unresolved feelings that need attention.

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