There are times that you feel like grief has pulled you back to the beginning which can be very painful. Many people who are grieving experience waves where the sadness and loneliness suddenly feel just as intense as they did earlier on. It doesn’t mean you have failed at healing or that you’ve lost the progress you made, it often means your heart is moving through another part of the process.

Sometimes it may feel like you are back at the beginning of your grief. The loneliness can be been deeper than usual. You feel sad most days, and don’t know if its the SAD syndrome because the cold season has arrived and you don’t want to get out of bed most days.

The deep loneliness you mentioned is something many grieving people talk about. Loss can change how the world feels. Even when you’re surrounded by others, it can feel like the one person you want or need isn’t there, and that absence can make ordinary days feel overwhelming. When that feeling stretches across many days, it can make getting out of bed feel like a huge task.

It could be related to seasonal changes. During colder, darker months, some people experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (often called SAD). It can cause low energy, sadness, sleeping more than usual, and a lack of motivation. When someone is already carrying grief, the shorter days and reduced sunlight can sometimes intensify those feelings. So it’s possible that both grief and the season are affecting you at the same time.

Even though it may feel like you’re stuck right now, there are a few gentle things that sometimes help people during these periods.

Lower the expectations for yourself. If getting out of bed feels like too much, try focusing on very small steps. Sitting up, opening the curtains, or stepping outside for a few minutes can be enough for one day. Grief often requires moving in tiny increments.

Let someone know how you’re feeling. Loneliness can grow stronger when everything stays inside. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or support group can help ease some of the weight you’re carrying.

Seek light and small moments of movement. If SAD might be playing a role, exposure to daylight, even briefly, can sometimes help. A short walk, sitting near a window, or spending a few minutes outside can gently support your mood.

Allow the sadness without judging it. Feeling like you’re “back at the beginning” can be discouraging, but grief rarely moves in a straight line. Some days will feel heavier than others. That doesn’t erase the strength it took to reach where you are now.

Most importantly, please remember that you don’t have to carry this alone. If these feelings keep weighing on you or make daily life feel unmanageable, reaching out to a mental health professional or grief counselor could provide support and understanding. They can help you sort through both the grief and the exhaustion you’re experiencing. And if you want to talk more about it, I’m here to listen.

What activities do you lose yourself in?