The pressure to "move on" — how do you cope with expectations from others?
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Belong
Community Resource
Many of us know that feeling of being expected to just “move on” after experiencing pregnancy loss or miscarriage. It can be incredibly frustrating and isolating when the world around us seems to think healing is a linear process. We often feel this pressure from friends, family, or even ourselves, pushing us to act as if everything is okay when it really isn’t.
One thing that helped me was finding a space where I could express my feelings without judgment. Whether it's journaling, joining a support group, or connecting with others who have experienced similar loss, having a safe place to share our grief can be a game changer. We can vent about the awkward comments from well-meaning friends or the frustration of feeling like we’re not allowed to still be sad. There’s something validating about talking to someone who truly understands what we’re going through.
Another approach some of us have found useful is setting boundaries. If someone pressures you to move on or minimizes your loss, it’s okay to let them know that this is a journey that can take time. You might try saying something like, "I appreciate your concern, but I'm still processing everything." This can help create space for your healing and remind those around you that it’s okay to grieve in your own way and at your own pace.
Trying to reconnect with ourselves and our emotions can be tough, but reaching out to even one other person who has experienced a similar loss can help remind us that we’re not alone. Many of us have found comfort in knowing that there’s no timeline for grief — it can ebb and flow, and that’s completely normal. Sometimes, just having a conversation with someone who has been through it can lift a weight off our shoulders.
Anyone else feeling this pressure to move on? It can be really tough to navigate those expectations. What has helped you cope with this?
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