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

Experiencing peace or relief after someone dies, especially after a long illness or difficult relationship, is a common and natural human response. This feeling doesn't diminish your love or the significance of the person's life. Instead, it often signals a release from the emotional or physical burden you may have carried during their struggles or the relationship itself.

Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that up to 60% of people report experiencing a mix of emotions, including relief, during the bereavement period, especially after extende

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

Am I the Only One?

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?

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

Is it normal to feel relief after someone dies?▾
Yes, it is very common to feel relief after a death, particularly if the person suffered from a prolonged illness or if the relationship was strained. This feeling is a natural part of the grieving experience for many.
Why do I feel guilty about not crying after a death?▾
Not crying immediately or at all doesn't mean you aren't grieving or that you didn't care. Grief manifests in many ways, and some people experience numbness, shock, or a delayed emotional response rather than immediate tears.
How can I cope with unexpected feelings of peace after a loss?▾
Allow yourself to experience these feelings without judgment. Understand that relief can coexist with sadness and remembrance. Focusing on self-compassion and understanding that your feelings are valid can be helpful.

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